After an outstanding return to the Premier League that delivered a seventh-place finish and a place in Europe, Sunderland find themselves entering one of the most important summers in recent memory.
The challenge facing Régis Le Bris and Florent Ghisolfi is clear: strengthen a squad that exceeded expectations last season while ensuring it’s equipped to handle the demands of both domestic and European football.
As exciting as new signings can be, recruitment is only one side of the transfer window and
with squad places at a premium and opportunities arising elsewhere, some difficult decisions will inevitably have to be made.
Whether it’s players seeking regular football, youngsters heading out on loan or senior figures moving on to make room for fresh arrivals, several Black Cats face uncertain futures over the coming months.
In this first part, we’ll focus on Sunderland’s goalkeepers and defenders, assessing who could be loaned out and who may be approaching the end of their time at the Stadium of Light permanently.
A second instalment will follow, looking at the midfielders and forwards who could also be involved in our summer departures.
Goalkeepers
The goalkeeping department looks set to be one of Sunderland’s quieter areas this summer.
The expectation is that Robin Roefs remains the club’s number one despite reported interest from elsewhere, including Chelsea, whilst Melker Ellborg provides competition and Simon Moore continues his role as an experienced figure around the squad.
There should still be some movement, however.
Dan Cameron has already left the club following loan spells at Hebburn Town and Boston United, whereas Matty Young looks set for another loan after two productive years at Salford City. Huddersfield Town have been linked, with Sunderland keen to push his development further up the pyramid.
The most significant exit could be Anthony Patterson.
Reports suggest the academy graduate has been made available for transfer, potentially bringing what’s been a fantastic Sunderland career to a close. A two-time playoff hero and one of our own, Patterson has played a huge role in the club’s rise but unfortunately, football moves quickly.
The emergence of Roefs coupled with Ellborg’s arrival has left Patterson facing an uncertain future. A January loan move to Millwall felt like a sign that a permanent departure could follow, and it would be no surprise to see a top Championship side make their move this summer.
If Patterson does leave, he’ll do so with the gratitude of Sunderland supporters everywhere. He deserves the opportunity to establish himself elsewhere, and few would begrudge him the chance to prove he belongs at Premier League level.
Defenders
There’s considerably more to discuss in the defensive department, where Sunderland are expected to oversee a fairly significant clearout.
Niall Huggins and Dennis Cirkin have already departed following the expiry of their contracts — yes, goodbye sweet Dennis — but they’re unlikely to be the final defenders heading for the exit.
Arthur Masuaku is expected to move on after an underwhelming spell on Wearside and following a loan move to Lens in January and with just a year left on his contract, a permanent departure feels inevitable.
Then there’s Leo Hjelde. Oh, Leo. The ultimate vibesman. Without his movement in the box, Sunderland might not be preparing for a Premier League and Europa League campaign today.
Hjelde has had his critics, but most Sunderland fans have a soft spot for the Norwegian.
Versatile, popular and always willing, he’s nevertheless fallen some way down the pecking order. After a loan spell at Sheffield United, a permanent move or another loan feels the most likely outcome.
Aji Alese is another player whose future looks uncertain.
Few players have suffered worse luck with injuries, and it’s a genuine shame because the talent has never been in doubt. With just a year left on his contract, Sunderland may look for a permanent solution — although the club’s track record suggests they’ll do right by both player and situation.
Jenson Seelt’s future is also up in the air. Injuries have disrupted his progress, but at twenty three, there’a still plenty of potential there. With competition for places fierce, another loan feels like the most sensible next step.
Elsewhere, Timothée Pembélé appears closer to the exit door.
Injuries, inconsistency and underwhelming loan spells have prevented him from making an impact, and Sunderland have seemingly been open to moving him on for some time. With a year left on his deal, a permanent departure feels likely if a suitable move can be found.
Zak Johnson’s situation is perhaps the most intriguing.
A successful loan spell at York City further enhanced his reputation and under normal circumstances, another loan might be the obvious next step. However, as a club-grown player, Johnson could prove valuable for Sunderland’s Europa League squad registration and as a result, his future may be one of the final decisions made this summer.
With Sunderland looking to balance Premier League consolidation with the demands of a first European campaign in over half a century, difficult decisions are inevitable.
Some of the names above have likely already played their final game for the club, while others still have a chance to force their way into Le Bris’ plans. In part two, we’ll move further up the pitch and look at the midfielders and forwards who could also be on the move this summer.
