KeytransfersCatsneedtomakethis summer after decisions confirmed
Sunderland released their retained list last week, confirming that Bradley Dack and Corry Evans would be leaving the club when their contracts expire at the end of June.
Here, we look at the current senior squad for next season as it stands and identify the key areas where the club need to recruit in the summer transfer window - and that’s before factoring in any further departures..
UNDER CONTRACT: ANTHONY PATTERSON, ALEX BASS, NATHAN BISHOP, MATTY YOUNG
A position of stability for Sunderland heading into the summer. It’s almost certain that Matty Young will head out on loan after a hugely successful spell at Darlington. First, he’ll train with the group in pre-season and likely get some match minutes.
Alex Bass seems likely to depart having impressed on loan at AFC Wimbledon last season.
That would leave Patterson and Bishop to continue where they left off, with a number of young goalkeepers at the club to step up in training. Patterson will almost certainly attract transfer interest this summer and Sunderland are braced for bids, but he’s under a long-term contract and there are no guarantees at this stage anyone is willing to stump up the kind of sum that would force the Black Cats’ hand.
UNDER CONTRACT:
TRAI HUME, TIMOTHEE PEMBELE, AJI ALESE, DENNIS CIRKIN, NIALL HUGGINS
Though Niall Huggins is not expected to be fit until next year, this feels like a position of relative strength when Leo Hjelde offers additional cover. Trai Hume is a must-pick on the right side and though there may be interest this summer, it would take a huge fee. Pembele has plenty to prove next season, but offered some welcome cover in the final weeks of last season, Sunderland are very well placed if Alese and Cirkin can stay fit.
That was a problem position for much of the last campaign but both have the capacity to be a top player at the level.