Here are the Sunderland first-team players that need to stay, be sold our be loaned out this summer.
Sunderland looked to be building the perfect squad full of talent, youth and experience following their promotion to the Championship.
Things took a drastic turn since last summer though, with the club getting a little too excited about offloading all their older stars, leaving the rest of the squad in a tricky position.
With the Black Cats now likely to finish the season in the bottom half of the table, Kristjaan Speakman is going to need to rethink his transfer strategy and have a further overhaul.
With some key players attracting heavy interest and others potentially on their way out, we have taken a look at who the club need to keep, sell and loan out.
Goalkeepers
Anthony Patterson – KEEP
The 23-year-old has attracted plenty of interest from the Premier League, but Sunderland should try their best to keep hold of their academy graduate.
Nathan Bishop – SELL
He joined from Manchester United last summer but has only managed one appearance. I would offload him and replace him with someone more experienced to help Patterson.
Alex Bass – SELL
Sunderland should look to sell Alex bass to AFC Wimbledon, where he has become a regular in between the sticks.
Defenders
Niall Huggins – SELL
He’s a brilliant defender but way too injury-prone. If he can’t be offloaded this summer due to his injury, then I would consider it in January.
Dennis Cirkin – KEEP
We haven’t seen much of him recently due to his own injury, but we are missing him a lot. We should definitely keep hold of him.
Leo Hjelde – KEEP
He hasn’t really impressed since joining the club but he’s still got plenty of time to develop. I would keep him as back-up.
Aji Alese – KEEP
The West Ham academy product is one of our best defenders and will likely be a regular starter next term.
Dan Ballard – KEEP
Our best centre-back by a mile.
Luke O’Nien – KEEP
One of our few experienced players and a real leader. I think he’s got another couple years left on Wearside.
Jenson Seelt – KEEP
He’s going to be sidelined for most of the year but I still expect him to be an important player in the future.
Nectarios Triantis – LOAN
He’s currently impressing in Scotland and should be sent back out this summer.
Joe Anderson – SELL
He is unlikely to ever feature for the senior team and should be moved on.
Timothee Pembele – KEEP
He’s very raw but has shown some attacking potential. He is good back-up for Trai Hume.
Trai Hume – KEEP
Please never, ever sell Trai Hume.
Midfielders
Corry Evans – KEEP
I would consider letting him leave if he wasn’t one of the very few older players we have in the squad. I would extend his contract by a further year.
Jobe – KEEP
He is likely to attract interest but needs to stay.
Elliot Embleton – SELL
He struggled for form before he got injured and is now likely far from the player he was two years ago.
Adil Aouchiche – KEEP
He is gradually growing as a player and could be really important next season.
Dan Neil – KEEP
My player of the season. We would be lost without him.
Callum Styles – NO DEAL
We have the option to make his stay permanent but I wouldn’t bother.
Chris Rigg – KEEP
Stupid question.
Pierre Ekwah – KEEP
I think if we have the right coach and can get him playing in the right position then Ekwah will still have plenty to offer.
Bradley Dack – RELEASE
I doubt we will even entertain the idea of opening contract talks with him.
Wingers
Jack Clarke – SELL
As much as I don’t want to, we have to accept that he is on his way out.
Patrick Roberts – KEEP
He’s had a poor season but he is still one of our most creative players and one of the best in the Championship when he is on form.
Romaine Mundle – KEEP
An average start to life on Wearside but certainly one we won’t give up on yet.
Abdoullah Ba – KEEP
I would maybe consider loaning him out if we had a replacement.
Jewison Bennette – SELL
I don’t think it’s ever going to work out for him here.
Jack Diamond – RELEASE
He’s never going to be good enough.
Strikers
Luis Hemir – LOAN
He hasn’t even shown an ounce of promise this season. Hopefully he just needs more experience.
Nazariy Rusyn – KEEP
Hopefully we can see the best of him once he has settled and has learnt more English.
Eliezer Mayenda – LOAN
Like Hemir, he needs more game-time away from Wearside.