In an absolute dream scenario, Sunderland could yet enter transfer deadline day with significant spending power if a series of exits are completed in the coming hours, raising the prospect of dramatic late-window moves worth north of £50million.
Leo Hjelde, Anthony Patterson, Patrick Roberts, Dan Neil and Arthur Masuaku have already departed, while Simon Adingra looks to beheading towards the exit too. Those developments have created fresh financial and squad flexibility, sharpening focus on how head coach Régis Le Bris wants his group structured for the second half of the campaign.
The conditions for late movement are beginning to align. Sunderland have shown a willingness to act decisively when opportunities arise, and with wide areas and the goalkeeping department both under review, the possibility of a bold, eye-catching addition cannot be completely dismissed.
This is not a prediction, but an examination of what could become achievable should further exits be sanctioned. With the club’s recruitment model continuing to evolve and its Premier League status strengthening its pull, deadline day may yet offer a final twist on Wearside.
In the goalkeeping department, Sunderland are close to completing a deal for Swedish stopper Melker Ellborg, who is expected on Wearside this weekend to finalise a permanent transfer. The Black Cats are set to pay a fee in the region of £3million to sign the 22-year-old from Malmö FF. Ellborg is expected to join Robin Roefs in the senior goalkeeping group and provide immediate depth, with Sunderland having monitored the market throughout January to ensure adequate cover. His arrival would likely pave the way for Anthony Patterson to leave on loan, with Millwall currently leading the race. The Championship side are managed by Alex Neil, with their league position and existing relationship with the player both seen as important factors.
1. IN: Melker Ellborg
In the goalkeeping department, Sunderland are close to completing a deal for Swedish stopper Melker Ellborg, who is expected on Wearside this weekend to finalise a permanent transfer. The Black Cats are set to pay a fee in the region of £3million to sign the 22-year-old from Malmö FF. Ellborg is expected to join Robin Roefs in the senior goalkeeping group and provide immediate depth, with Sunderland having monitored the market throughout January to ensure adequate cover. His arrival would likely pave the way for Anthony Patterson to leave on loan, with Millwall currently leading the race. The Championship side are managed by Alex Neil, with their league position and existing relationship with the player both seen as important factors. | AFP via Getty Images
The Dutch goalkeeper has established himself as Régis Le Bris' number one goalkeeper and won't be going anywhere in January.
2. Robin Roefs
The Dutch goalkeeper has established himself as Régis Le Bris' number one goalkeeper and won't be going anywhere in January. | Chris Fryatt
The former Sheffield United goalkeeper forms an important part of the goalkeeping group at Sunderland and plays a key role behind the scenes.
3. Simon Moore
The former Sheffield United goalkeeper forms an important part of the goalkeeping group at Sunderland and plays a key role behind the scenes. | Frank Reid
The left-back has returned to full fitness but is entering the last six months of his contract.
4. Dennis Cirkin
The left-back has returned to full fitness but is entering the last six months of his contract. | Getty Images