How Sunderland could potentially line up for the 2024/25 campaign if the transfer rumours surrounding the squad are true.
The 2024/25 campaign is closing in with the first game of the season now just a month away.
Change has already taken place at the Stadium of Light with the appointment of Regis Le Bris. With the good news now flowing through the doors, there is hope that the club can push on and achieve promotion to the Premier League.
However, one area that still remains uncertain is the squad. Multiple star players are still linked away from the club, including Jack Clarke and Anthony Patterson.
In this article, Sunderland AFC News has put together what the starting XI could look like for the Black Cats in the 2024/25 campaign if the rumours are true.
GK – Simon Moore
Despite being the current number one, all signings lead to Anthony Patterson leaving Sunderland at present. The goalkeeper has impressed since progressing through the Black Cats academy. Most recently, Wolves were linked with Patterson’s signature.
With no replacements rumoured as of yet, Simon Moore would likely be in goal. Sunderland’s only signing so far this summer played multiple times in the 2022/23 season when Coventry reached the Championship playoff final.
RB – Trai Hume
Staying at right-back is Trai Hume. Despite his links away from the club, Hume is now expected to stay at Sunderland with the club ‘highly unlikely’ to sell him this summer.
CB – Dan Ballard
Remaining at centre-back is star man Dan Ballard. Like many on this list, he has impressed in a Sunderland shirt. This has resulted in Ballard being linked to Everton. However, this has since died down which can only be a good thing for the club.
CB – Luke O’Nien
Alongside Ballard, Luke O’Nien is almost certain to retain his place. The Sunderland captain has remained a permanent fixture in many Sunderland sides over the years and will be aiming to lead the club to the Premier League next season.
LB – Dennis Cirkin
Another player whose season was ended through injury. Cirkin showed plenty of ability last season before it came to an end for the Irishman in November. Hopefully, he can return to form quickly under Le Bris.
CM – Alan Browne
The first potential new signing on this list is Alan Browne. The midfielder who played over 400 times for Preston left the club at the end of his contract this summer.
With Sunderland looking to add more experience to their ranks, the Black Cats are expected to sign Browne.
CM – Chris Rigg
Joining Browne in midfield is Rigg. The youngster will now stay at Sunderland after he signed a new deal committing his future to the club.
With Dan Neil’s contract talks showing no signs of coming to an end, Rigg may be given a bigger role under Le Bris.
CAM – Jobe Bellingham
One big name who is now expected to stay at the Black Cats is Jobe Bellingham. The midfielder had long been linked away from the club despite only joining last summer.
However, it has now been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano that Bellingham plans to stay at Sunderland for at least one more season.
RW – Ian Poveda
One potential incoming winger is Ian Poveda. The Colombian impressed last season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday as the Yorkshire side avoided relegation from the Championship.
Now released by Leeds United, the winger is currently a free agent. Sunderland were linked to Poveda at the end of the last campaign and now may be tempted to go back in.
ST – Nazariy Rusyn
Despite Sunderland’s struggles up top, no first-team striker has been majorly linked to the club this summer. This could see Nazariy Rusyn leading the lines yet again.
The Ukrainian had a poor first season in England, only scoring two goals in all competitions. However, Le Bris may be able to get the best out of him in the coming weeks.
LW – Liam Millar
The final man making the side is Liam Millar. The Canadian also impressed out on loan, spending the campaign at Preston.
Sunderland’s star man Jack Clarke is widely expected to leave which could open a pathway to Miller joining. The winger was linked to Sunderland earlier this year and this could be rekindled again if Clarke leaves.