Sunderland’s season has finally ended and they can now turn their attention to bringing in a manager and some new players.
Sunderland‘s main priority has clearly been finding a new head coach, as any transfer gossip on Wearside remains silent.
However, it does look like they are beginning to offload, with reports claiming both Corry Evans and Bradley Dack would be released at the end of their contracts.
The Black Cats could also face losing a number of their key men to Premier League clubs, such as Dan Neil, Jack Clarke and Anthony Patterson.
While they are likely to make hefty fees for the fan favourites, they could still face a tough job making up the cash to bring in a team full of players prepared to fight for promotion.
Sunderland won’t necessarily have to splash the cash in every position though, with a number of players relegated to League One potentially available for cheaper than anticipated.
Here are five relegated players Sunderland could look to snap up.
Viktor Johansson
The goalkeeper joined Rotherham United in 2020 and has been highly praised ever since, previously labelled the ‘best goalkeeper in the Championship’, whilst also being linked to Leeds United last summer.
Johansson now has a £1 million release clause in his contract and looks set to leave The Millers, with a number of clubs including Sheffield United interested.
Sunderland could face losing Anthony Patterson to the Premier League, and the ‘top class‘ 25-year-old could be a suitable replacement.
Michel Helik
The defender has been one of Huddersfield’s best players this season, having ended the campaign as their top scorer with nine goals.
Helik has the fourth-most interceptions in the Championship this term (75) and the second-most clearances (224).
The Terriers’ relegation is likely to mean there will be a lot of competition for the 28-year-old, but he could be a very reliable signing.
Sorba Thomas
The winger is likely to leave Huddersfield after they were relegated, despite having four years left on his contract.
Thomas ended the season with four goals and nine assists, while he has racked up an impressive 27 assists in the last three seasons in the Championship.
It is unclear how much he would cost, but he could be a solid addition to Sunderland’s depleted attack.
Dion Sanderson
The defender only signed for Birmingham City permanently last summer, but is already attracting interest from Rangers.
Sanderson previously spent the 2020-21 season on loan with Sunderland, and was awarded their Supporters’Young Player of the Year, despite missing the last six games due to injury.
The 24-year-old would surely be tempted by a return to the Stadium of Light, if he is willing to leave Birmingham. However, Rangers would prove to be very tough competition for the Black Cats.
Juninho Bacuna
Juninho Bacuna has been one of Birmingham’s better players this term, picking up seven goals and six assists.
The 26-year-old’s versatility has proven useful in his career, having played in central midfield primarily, as well as a more attacking position and also on the right side of midfield.
Bacuna seems very likely to leave St Andrews this summer, though he could be quite expensive.