Sunderland look to be building the foundations to be a Premier League club for many a year, but they have numerous players out on loan in the EFL, with many young and developing into better stars for the future.
Like all football clubs, the Black Cats loan out young players for several strategic reasons. They have youngsters who need first-team experience, with competition so intense. Young players may struggle for minutes, so loans let them play regularly elsewhere, accelerating their development.
But, realistically, it is primarily for the development of their skills in competitive leagues, with the physicality of the senior men's game required for them to gain experience in different tactical systems, the intense demands, and high-pressure situations that are not as prevalent in U-21 football.
The other reason is to get them ready for their own team, or to use these young players as market opportunities. Sunderland have numerous players who are increasing their transfer value and stock. Strong performances can either earn a first-team role or attract buyers.
MK Dons eye Salford City's Sunderland loanee Matty Young
Matty Young of Salford City
Overall, loans balance player development, financial strategy, and squad management. For Sunderland, they may be strong in some positions already, but that doesn't mean they don't want their young players to develop elsewhere in those positions.
Jordan Pickford was the last quality goalkeeper they produced, but Salford City's Matty Young began his career with the Black Cats at the age of seven and is the latest stopper to look exciting coming out of the club.
The 19-year-old is from County Durham and has had a loan with Darlington before two separate stints with Salford. Young is currently tied down to Sunderland until 2028, with high hopes for his future on Wearside.
He has even captained Salford this season, despite his tender age. He took the armband during a 2-1 win over Barrow. The England U-20 international is destined for a loan again next season, but Sunderland will be keen for that to be at a higher level after two years in League Two.
Alan Nixon reports that Young is wanted by MK Dons next season. However, that is if they win promotion, with both Salford and MK Dons locked in a fascinating battle for promotion from League Two currently.
Sunderland fans, should Matty Young be heading for a League One loan or a Championship loan in the summer? Comment below!
It's reported that Salford's rivals are impressed with his displays and maturity at fourth tier level, with Young conceding 44 goals in 34 games this season, including nine clean sheets. He conceded just twice in the FA Cup against Manchester City in January.
Nixon reports that promotion will offer him League One football and that Sunderland will be keen to see the player tested and stretched further up the ladder in a stronger and higher quality division.
Matty Young has a habit of penalty saves with Salford City - could he replicate that at MK Dons?
Matty Young, Salford City
Speaking back in October via The Herald, Salford boss Karl Robinson praised goalkeeper Young for his penalty save as Salford held on for a 2-1 win at Gillingham.
Bradley Dack missed from the spot to level at 1-1 and Robinson said: "Four penalty saves for Young out of seven. It’s a great penalty save.
"Not just the penalty save but he made two great saves in the second half as well which is typical Youngy. I’ve just been told they had only conceded three here all season and we’ve managed to score two."
The Sunderland loanee has made a name for himself at that level already and particularly for his penalty-saving ability. It's clear that a number of sides in the third tier will have eyes on a loan for Young this summer, but MK Dons appear the most keen at present.
They have been very ambitious and active in recent seasons, securing the likes of Aaron Collins, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, Callum Patterson, and Kane Wilson from League One and Championship clubs.
Ben Wiles and Curtis Nelson joined in January, alongside Sunderland's Jay Matete as well. That quality means that there is every chance of promotion this season in Buckinghamshire - Paul Warne has certainly been given the tools to achieve just that.