Sunderland’s return to the Premier League brings with it both celebration and significant challenges as they prepare for a transformative summer transfer window. After years of rebuilding and heartache, the club now finds itself back at the top table of English football, but survival in the top flight will demand smart recruitment.
Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman and head coach Régis Le Bris face the task of reshaping a youthful and promising squad into one capable of competing with established Premier League sides week in, week out. Promotion has activated a number of existing financial obligations from previous signings and will raise the bar for incoming targets.
The club must now walk a fine line between maintaining the identity and unity that brought them success, and upgrading key positions with experienced, top-level talent. Players like Enzo Le Fée, whose permanent move from AS Roma was triggered by promotion, will be central to the club’s future, but Sunderland will also need reinforcements across the pitch, particularly in defence and up front.
Here, we take a look at how Sunderland’s summer squad could look with a fresh host of incomings and outgoings:
Firstly, Kristjaan Speakman is said to be considering a potential move for Mexican international goalkeeper Luis Malagón, according to reports emerging from his native country. As per Nación Fútbol, the Black Cats are among a trio of European clubs showing interest in the Club América shot-stopper, alongside Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven and Premier League side Crystal Palace. However, the report suggests it is Palace who currently lead the race, with the Eagles said to have been tracking Malagón for several months as they look to strengthen their goalkeeping department.
1. IN: Luis Malagon
Firstly, Kristjaan Speakman is said to be considering a potential move for Mexican international goalkeeper Luis Malagón, according to reports emerging from his native country. As per Nación Fútbol, the Black Cats are among a trio of European clubs showing interest in the Club América shot-stopper, alongside Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven and Premier League side Crystal Palace. However, the report suggests it is Palace who currently lead the race, with the Eagles said to have been tracking Malagón for several months as they look to strengthen their goalkeeping department. | Getty Images
The homegrown Sunderland goalkeeper will likely start the season as the club's number one goalkeeper after his play-off final heroics.
2. Anthony Patterson
The homegrown Sunderland goalkeeper will likely start the season as the club's number one goalkeeper after his play-off final heroics. | Sunderland's Anthony Patterson - Photo by Frank Reid
Simon Moore signed a two-year deal at Sunderland last summer.
3. Simon Moore
Simon Moore signed a two-year deal at Sunderland last summer. | Frank Reid
The highly-rated stopper could be involved in Sunderland's first-team next season after loans with Darlington and Salford City. He could also go out on loan, however,
4. Matty Young
The highly-rated stopper could be involved in Sunderland's first-team next season after loans with Darlington and Salford City. He could also go out on loan, however, Photo: Ben Cuthbertson