Sunderland Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman may sanction three sales in the summer that may not be part of Regis Le Bris’ plans.
Sunderland this season have undergone vast changes, particularly in regards to personnel on the pitch.
They finished the lacklustre 2023/24 season with a side struggling for an ounce of confidence, and that ultimately came from the chopping-and-changing of managers, as well as the lack of experience amongst the ranks.
Much of this transformation comes from the players signed by Kristjaan Speakman in order to bolster Regis Le Bris’ side, but there were also several players let go at the start of the campaign, whether it be a permanent move away from Wearside, or just on a temporary basis.
It would be no surprise to see Speakman follow in a similar fashion ahead of next season, so we looked at three players who could potentially be on their way out.
Sunderland could sanction a sale of Aji Alese next season
In terms of Sunderland’s defensive options, Aji Alese finds himself fairly low down on the pecking order in Le Bris’ side.
Unfortunately for Alese, his 2024/25 campaign has been severely hampered by injuries, with the centre-back currently spending time on the sidelines after a leg break which will keep him out for the rest of the season.
Ultimately, his game time was limited prior to his unlucky injury, and based on the likelihood that Sunderland may sign Chris Mepham on a free next season, as well as potentially signing an extra centre-back, Alese may be made surplus to requirements.
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Kristjaan Speakman may want to lose Nazariy Rusyn
Another player who will likely be surplus to requirements next season is Ukrainian striker Nazariy Rusyn. In the recent window, he was handed a loan move to Hajduk Split, but he has not been able to kick on with the Croatian side, with him still yet to bag a goal for Gennaro Gattuso’s side.
Because of his recent form, it is unlikely that Hajduk Split will trigger the buy option for Rusyn, meaning that he will most probably return to Wearside, where his future will be limited as well.
Injury woes may lead to Ian Poveda sale
Sunderland signed Ian Poveda prior to the 2024/25 Championship season, however, he has been unable to kick on due to injuries.
With a total of 81 minutes played across the Championship campaign, as well as the repetitive injuries that the Colombian is, unfortunately, picking up, there is very little optimism that he will be able to string a run of games together injury-free.
As a player with a first-team wage as well, it may be worth Speakman looking to move him on and Sunderland cutting their losses on the winger, who unfortunately hasn’t had an opportunity to show his worth.