Sunderland have a busy summer lying ahead, with a new manager and some new players needed.
Sunderland are limping over the finish line this season.
Their play-off hopes are all but quashed and now there’s a growing fear that the Black Cats could be sucked into a relegation battle.
Mike Dodds finds his side just nine points above the drop zone with nine games left to play, following a run of six-straight defeats in the Championship.
He now looks set to be replaced in the summer with the Sunderland owners poised to make yet another managerial change.
And there looks set to be some changes to the playing staff too, with this poor run of form highlighting some flaws in the side.
Here are three Championship free agents Sunderland could sign for nothing this summer…
Tyrhys Dolan could be shrewd Sunderland capture
Blackburn Rovers academy man Tyrhys Dolan sees his contract expire at the end of this season.
The 22-year-old, once described an an ‘amazing’ player by former Blackburn and Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray, has scored four and assisted two in the Championship this season, after scoring four and assisting six last time round.
He’s a key player for Blackburn, often playing as one of two central attacking midfielders or playing out on the right flank.
With Blackburn crumbling, Dolan may well be looking for a new opportunity this summer.
Tyrese Campbell
The Stoke City man has had a misfire season in the Championship.
After scoring nine and assisting five last time round, the 24-year-old has netted just once in 16 so far this season, with injury having kept him out for large parts.
But on his day, Campbell is a ruthless finisher; he’s a driving central forward who loves to run in behind, and who is capable of scoring an array of goals too.
With Stoke potentially going down this season, Campbell could wait out his contract, and he’d certainly add some prowess and quality to a Sunderland front line which is lacking it right now.
Di’Shon Bernard
The former Manchester United youngster signed for Sheffield Wednesday on a one-year deal last summer, having since been very impressive; as per Sofascore, the Jamaican international averages 2.9 clearances per game, 1.5 tackles, and 33 passes (2nd most at Wednesday).
Bernard, 23, has played 29 times in the Championship this season, having also been a starring figure in the Owls’ recent turnaround in form.
He seems to be waiting on signing a new deal given Sheffield Wednesday’s league predicament, and should he become a free agent then he’ll no doubt have suitors.
He could be an ideal replacement for Dan Ballard who’s wanted by Everton.