Every single player who has been linked to and from Sunderland during the summer transfer window.
A big transfer window is approaching Sunderland. After a terrible 2024 which saw their playoff ambitions collapse, the club now has a chance to fix many of its problems.
An incoming permanent manager is expected over the coming weeks after Mike Dodds guided the Black Cats through the last of the campaign as an interim.
Therefore, another big rebuild could happen this summer as the new Sunderland manager looks to shape his team.
In this article, you can find every player that has been linked to and away from the Stadium of Light since the beginning of May. As the summer transfer window continues, this list will be updated.
Goalkeepers linked to Sunderland
No major outlets have linked a goalkeeper to Sunderland since May 2024.
Defenders linked to Sunderland
No major outlets have linked a defender to Sunderland since May 2024.
Midfielders linked to Sunderland
Out in Germany, reports in May indicated that Red Bull Leipzig are prepared to release a number of players in the Under 19s squad. Among them is Elias Lenz who is the captain of the side. According to reports, Sunderland are chasing Lenz and he recently trained at the club.
Callum Styles spent the second half of the season out on loan to Sunderland from League One side Barnsley. However, despite having the option to buy, the Black Cats are yet to act on this clause. According to reports, Sunderland could still buy Styles, but a lot will depend on the incoming manager at the Stadium of Light.
Wingers linked to Sunderland
Chris Willock was linked to Sunderland in early May. The winger has been at QPR since 2020 but could be available on a free transfer this summer. However, the Black Cats will have to compete with Norwich for his signature.
Leeds United winger Ian Poveda spent 2024 out on loan to fellow Championship side Sheffield Wednesday. Despite impressing in Yorkshire, Leeds are still set to release him. Sunderland are believed to be interested in Poveda but face competition from the likes of Burnley, Luton and Sheffield Wednesday.
One major player linked to Sunderland has been Josh Murphy. The Oxford United winger stood out in the 2023/24 campaign. However, the promotion of the U’s could cause complications. Sunderland want to sign Murphy on a free this summer after the expiry of his contract. However, Derby County and Portsmouth have also joined the race.
Looking to add to their attacking options, Liam Miller has been linked to Sunderland. The Canadian spent last season on loan to Preston from Swiss side Basel where he impressed. Now, Sunderland are believed to be chasing the attacker alongside several other Championship sides.
Every striker linked to Sunderland
Divin Mubama has been linked to Sunderland this summer. The West Ham youngster is available on a free transfer with his contract set to expire. Sunderland were believed to be the front-runner in early May but compensation would be due if they got it over the line.
Upcoming star Dajaune Brown could get a big move this summer. Playing in the National League for Gateshead, the striker was the hero when he netted the winning penalty this season to win the FA Trophy. Now, Sunderland has been linked with Brown after a successful campaign.
Which players have been linked away from Sunderland?
Perhaps an inevitable departure this summer, Jack Clarke was easily the standout player for Sunderland in the 2023/24 campaign. However, after a miserable end, it seems a fruitless task for the Black Cats to hold onto their star man. West Ham and Bournemouth are believed to be interested in Clarke with £17 million as the rumoured asking price. However, Burnley are the reported frontrunner for Clarke.
Timothee Pembele is another potential departure. Despite signing last summer, the right-back was unable to make an impact. As a result, Sunderland AFC News believe that Sunderland will look to sell Pembele this summer.
Trai Hume is also rumoured to depart Sunderland. The defender had a solid campaign which has attracted plenty of interest. Journalist Graeme Bailey believes that Hume is ‘likely to leave’.
Sunderland’s number one Anthony Patterson has been linked away. In a poor campaign, the goalkeeper is another who impressed. However, Patterson has now been linked to recently relegated Sheffield United for around £8 million.
Academy starlet Chris Rigg is another potential departure. After breaking into Sunderland’s first team this season, the midfielder has had plenty of interest. Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund are rumoured to be interested in Rigg. On top of this, Man United have also been linked to Rigg.
Sunderland could lose star man Dan Neil this summer. The local lad has impressed at the Black Cats which has now caused plenty of interest in the midfielder. After Southampton secured promotion to the Premier League, the Saints were linked with signing Neil with the club ‘big admirers’.