There are some eye-catching names available on a list of players set to become free agents this summer.
Sunderland are currently formulating their plans for the summer transfer window as they look to build on the momentum of what has been an outstanding return to the Premier League.
The Black Cats are heading into the final weeks of the season looking to force their way into a European place and a successful pursuit of a top seven spot would represent a major boost to their recruitment plans. There can be no doubt last summer provided Sunderland supporters with one of the most remarkable periods in their recent history as the likes of Robin Roefs, Granit Xhaka and Brian Brobbey were secured as the foundations for a memorable campaign were put in place.
Sunderland reportedly produced a net spend of around £140m throughout a highly successful transfer window - and although it’s unlikely a similar spend will be overseen this summer, there will be a desire to hand yet another boost to Regis Le Bris’ squad in a bid to firmly establish the Black Cats are regular challengers for European football over the coming seasons.
There are some intriguing options that Sunderland could secure on free transfers as their existing contracts with their current clubs approach their final months - and with no agreement in place, that could mean they will be available on free transfers at the end of June.
6 free agents Sunderland could target this summer
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Arthur Avom - Lorient
The 13-times capped Cameroon international was linked with a move to Sunderland as recently as last month and reports have suggested the Black Cats are monitoring the midfielder. Avom has established himself firmly within the Lorient side and has scored three and seven assists in 61 appearances for the Ligue 1 club over the last two and a half seasons. There is said to be interest from other Premier League clubs including Crystal Palace, Everton and Leeds United and Avom is set to be a man in demand this summer.
Danilo Doekhi - Union Berlin
The Bundesliga centre-back was heavily linked with a move to Leeds United during the January transfer window as Daniel Farke looked to add to his defensive options. There was reported interest from elsewhere and, as it stands, he will leave the club on a free transfer this summer. Although primarily known for his defensive ability, Doekhi is also one of the highest scoring defenders in European football’s top five leagues in recent seasons.
Rico Henry - Brentford
Regis Le Bris has spoken about Dennis Cirkin’s long-term future at Sunderland recently as the full-back heads into the final months of his current deal at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats boss said: “He had a long period without playing, so this period is really important for his consistency. It's more a step-by-step process at the minute, for him and for us. We trust each other, which is really important. If we go all the way, maybe we'll have another decision. But at the minute, nothing is done. I repeat, probably the main word with Dennis and us at the minute is consistency. Consistency and trust. If he stays consistent and feels that it's the right place to go further, I think we'll find an agreement. But it's a bit early at the moment.”
Should that agreement not be found, cover and competition for Reinildo Mandava would be required and Brentford star Rico Henry could be an ideal option. The 28-year-old has over 200 Bees appearances to his name and over half of them have been in the Premier League. Brentford are believed to hold a one-year option on his deal - so they hold all of the cards.
Malang Sarr - Lens
A centre back with limited Premier League experience to his name after he made 21 appearances for Chelsea during a four-year stay with the Blues. However, the vast majority of his time at Stamford Bridge was spent out on loan with the likes of Porto and Monaco before Sarr made a permanent move to Lens on a free transfer during the summer of 2024. Sarr has impressed throughout the last two seasons and is a key part of a side that are pushing Paris Saint-Germain for the Ligue 1 title. Should Sunderland wish to add to their defensive ranks this summer, Sarr could prove to be a prudent option.
Lorenzo Pellegrini - Roma
Arguably the most ambitious name on this list, the Roma stalwart has made almost 350 appearances for the Serie A club and was part of the side that won the Europa Conference League under Jose Mourinho in 2022. However, Pellegrini is set to leave Roma at the end of the season and there has been speculation suggesting a move to the Premier League is a possibility. There won’t be too many more high calibre players available on a free transfer during the summer transfer window.
Harry Wilson - Fulham
The Wales international is will be the most in-demand Premier League free agent this summer after enjoying arguably the best season of his career. Wilson has scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 34 appearances in all competitions during the campaign and that has triggered reports of interest from a whole host of clubs across the Premier League and beyond. Sunderland have already been given a glimpse of what the versatile winger can offer after he provided an assist in the Cottagers 3-1 win at the Stadium of Light in February.
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