Now the January transfer window has slammed shut, here are four free agents Sunderland should look to sign to fire them into the Premier League at the end of the season.
Despite a rocky last couple of months, Michael Beale’s side still has every chance of reaching the top flight at the end of their campaign. The Black Cats sit one point off the play-offs as they look to end a seven-year absence from the top flight.
January saw Sunderland hold onto prize assets such as Jobe Bellingham and Jack Clarke despite the latter having plenty of interest from the Premier League.
However, there are fears that the club may have become too reliant on Clarke with the attacker posting incredible numbers this campaign.
Sunderland also saw the departure of Alex Pritchard last month to Birmingham City. That is despite the midfielder contributing to six goals in the first half of the campaign.
Despite the window being closed, Beale’s side still has a chance to bring up multiple faces before the season ends. Here, we look at four players that the manager should look to bring into the Stadium of Light that would improve the starting XI.
Jack Price
The midfielder has spent the last six years in the USA at Colorado Rapids. The Shrewsbury-born man originally came through the ranks of Wolves and soon became one of their best players in the Championship.
However, after the club decided to go down a new path so did Price, as the midfielder made a name for himself in the USA. His time in the States was highly successful as he became captain of the MLS club and was named Team MVP in 2022.
However, an injury kept him on the sidelines in 2023 before he was released. He now expects to be back to full fitness and could be perfect for Sunderland to boost their midfield options.
Liam Moore
After progressing through the ranks at Leicester, Moore spent the majority of his career in the Championship at Reading.
The defender spent seven years at the southern club eventually becoming their captain. After a loan to Stoke in the 2021/22 season, Moore was released from Reading last summer when they were relegated to League One.
The centre-back was at one point one of the best defenders in the league. Sunderland could help revive his career with Moore offering experience on how to get out of the division.
Dwight Gayle
One of the biggest experts in the Championship, Gayle has once again become available after leaving Stoke City last month.
The striker consistently scored goals in the division throughout his career. After spells at Peterborough, Crystal Palace, Newcastle and West Brom, Gayle found himself at Stoke over the past one-and-a-half seasons.
However, the 34-year-old was not able to replicate his previous form with both parties then cutting ties in early 2024.
Sunderland could take a punt on Gayle. On a short-term deal, the striker could score some important goals from off the bench to earn the Black Cats some vital points and stop their reliance on Clarke.
Lucas Joao
Another former Reading player, Lucas Joao has played in the Championship for the majority of his career.
After spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn Rovers, the striker found his best form at the Royals. Only three seasons ago Joao netted 19 goals in the second tier as Reading finished seventh.
After departing the club at the end of last season, the 30-year-old had a short spell in China but is not a free agent once again. Like Gayle, the striker could offer an extra attacking threat to the side and potentially earn the Black Cats some vital points in their playoff push.