Sunderland’s team could undergo yet another makeover next summer, depending on which league they are in.
Promotion to the Premier League will see Tony Mowbray bring in a host of new faces to freshen things up and ensure they stay beyond the opening campaign, while another season in the Championship may lead to a number of key players being snapped up.
While the club are likely to have plenty of cash to spend either way, they have opted to be more careful with their funds in recent years.
We know Sunderland like to pick up cheap prospects from the Premier League and beyond, but here are 11 players that could consider that are out of contract in 2024.
Tyrhys Dolan
Tyrhys Dolan is highly regarded at Blackburn Rovers, having made his senior debut at 19 years old in 2020 under Mowbray.
The winger made 40 appearances in the Championship last season, netting four goals and providing six assists.
Dolan has a lot of potential and Blackburn are currently trying to tie him down to a long-term deal, however no progress has been made between the two parties.
Aaron Connolly
Aaron Connolly burst onto the scene with Brighton, scoring a brace against Tottenham Hotspur in his first start.
However, the forward soon fell out of favour on the south coast and has since been sent out on three loan spells.
While Connolly only managed two goals in 19 games for Middlesbrough, he looked much better for Hull City as he scored twice in five games last season. The Tigers went onto sign him on a one-year contract and he has since bagged a further five goals in the Championship.
Tyrese Campbell
Tyrese Campbell has occasionally struggled with injuries and inconsistency in his form for Stoke City, but has mostly looked like a very promising young player since making his debut in 2018.
The 23-year-old netted nine goals and provided five assists in the Championship last season, as the Potters finished in 16th place.
Campbell had briefly been linked with Everton earlier this year, but ended up staying at the bet365 Stadium.
Jamie Shackleton
Jamie Shackleton has been at Leeds United since 2006 and was expected to leave the club in the summer, but has instead become an important player this season.
The midfielder has started six games in the Championship so far and has been praised by Daniel Farke.
However, his future at the club could depend on whether the Whites are promoted this season. Sunderland could try to snap him up if they fail to win promotion themselves.
Adam Forshaw
Sunderland were already linked with a move to Adam Forshaw in the summer, but it never materialised.
The 32-year-old was released by Leeds United at the end of last season and went onto sign for Norwich City on a free transfer, though he has only made one start in the Championship.
Forshaw could bring some much needed experience to Sunderland’s squad if they stay in the second tier, especially if Corry Evans was to leave, though his fitness would be a concern.
Andre Dozzell
Andre Dozzell has been one of QPR’s better players as they have struggled towards the bottom of the Championship, with the midfielder nominated for Goal of the Month for September.
There has been no word on Dozzell’s future at the club, and he could look to start afresh in the summer, especially if they are relegated.
Callum O’Hare
Callum O’Hare has been one of Coventry City’s most important players as they have tried to win promotion, picking up 13 goal contributions last season.
The midfielder previously looked set to join Burnley following their relegation, but ended up staying in the Midlands.
Coventry are reportedly in talks over a new deal, but there has been no update on whether he will remain at the club beyond this season.
Any move for O’Hare is likely to depend on where Coventry stand and who is interested in his signature.
Max Bird
Max Bird is one of two Derby County players mentioned here.
The 23-year-old has been a key player for the Rams and could well have already returned to the second tier if it wasn’t for injury.
Bird had been the subject of a number of bids from Hull City in the January before he was sidelined.
However, Paul Warne’s side could look to sell him on January to avoid letting him leave for free next summer.
Louie Sibley
Louie Sibley is another young player that has shone for Derby and has previously been on the radar of Leeds United and Coventry City.
The 22-year-old has made seven appearances in all competitions this season, including netting three goals in two games in the EFL Trophy.
Sibley has previously proven himself in the Championship and could be on the radar of a number of clubs if he doesn’t sign a new contract at Pride Park.
Jonson Clarke-Harris
Jonson Clarke-Harris was linked with Sunderland at the start of the year, and it’s actually pretty impressive that Peterborough United have been able to keep hold of him for so long.
The striker joined Posh in 2020 and has bagged 80 goals in 160 appearances, including 12 as they were relegated from the Championship in 2021-22.
Clarke-Harris may have past his opportunity to shine in the second tier as he approaches his 30th birthday next summer, however he could still be a good addition on a free.
Devante Cole
Son of Andy Cole, Devante could be a very handy signing given his ability to play across the front three.
The 28-year-old has scored a total of 29 goals in 79 games for Barnsley in League One.
His height and stature could provide advantage, though he definitely wouldn’t be a starting player for Sunderland.