Sunderland have eight league games remaining this season – while the club’s recruitment team will already be looking ahead to the summer transfer window.
The Black Cats were tracking several players during the January transfer window and are bound to be linked with more names in the coming months. For fun, following recent speculation, we’ve put together a possible Sunderland starting XI and bench if the rumours turn out to be true:
29. POTENTIAL SUB: Eliezer Mayenda
The 18-year-old striker joined Sunderland from French side Sochaux on a five-year deal last year. Mayenda then signed for SPL side Hibernian in January and is set to return to Wearside this summer. Photo: Frank Reid
30. POTENTIAL SUB: Jewison Bennette
The 19-year-old winger has a contract at Sunderland until 2026. Bennette joined Greek side Aris FC on loan in January, where he’s made just two league appearances, but is set to rejoin the Black Cats for pre-season. Photo: Frank Reid