Sunderland are in a strong position heading into 2025. The Black Cats are fourth in the Championship and their squad is performing well for the most part.
However, manager Regis Le Bris and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman will not rest on their laurels in their pursuit of the Premier League.
The Wearside club would certainly benefit from a few additions and they don’t even need to dip into owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus’ pockets to do so.
Here are four realistic targets that Sunderland could sign for free in the coming weeks, including former Manchester United and Liverpool youngsters.
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Brandon Williams (left-back)
Brandon Williams was a first-team regular at Manchester United in the 2019/20 Premier League season but was ultimately deemed surplus to requirements.
He spent two of the last three seasons on loan at East Anglian rivals Norwich City and Ipswich Town, respectively, before his contract at United ended in the summer.
Williams would struggle to displace Dennis Cirkin in Regis Le Bris’ starting lineup but the Englishman is a better player than current backup Leo Hjelde – who could do with a move.
Francis Coquelin (central midfield)
Francis Coquelin’s last three clubs were Arsenal, Valencia and Villarreal, so one could argue this is an unrealistic target for Sunderland.
However, the Frenchman was linked with a free transfer move to Leeds United in October so it seems he’s at least interested in a Championship move.
Coquelin is 33 years old and suffered a serious knee injury in 2023, but the vastly experienced midfielder still has plenty to offer and would surely help Sunderland’s promotion push.
Ryan Kent (winger)
Former Liverpool prospect Ryan Kent has been without a club since his contract at Fenerbahce was cancelled by mutual consent in October.
Kent was an integral part of Rangers’ team for five seasons, winning the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup, but his move to Turkey in 2023 didn’t go well.
Fenerbahce are regulars in European competition so perhaps it was just a step too far for the Englishman. A return to England – specifically the Championship – could get the best out of him again.
Kemar Roofe (striker)
Goalscorers are the hardest to find in the transfer market, even with millions to spend, so there are rarely going to be any great options available for free.
Kemar Roofe isn’t a game-changer by any means but, as a replacement for the soon-to-leave Nazariy Rusyn, he could be a shrewd piece of business.
The last time he was in the Championship, albeit five years ago, he scored 14 goals (one every 173.5 minutes) in the 2018/19 campaign for Leeds.