From a former England international to another star outperforming world-class players in the Premier League, here are five free agents Sunderland should look to sign this summer.
The 2023/24 campaign is all but over at the Stadium of Light. Despite aiming for promotion back to the Premier League, the club’s form collapsed throughout 2024.
This resulted in Michael Beale getting sacked from Sunderland with Mike Dodds taking his place until the end of the season.
However, optimism for the remaining two fixtures has vanished after a terrible showing against Millwall which outraged fans. Dodds echoed their responses naming the Sunderland side ‘boring to watch’, after another goalless display at home.
However, this summer holds plenty of anticipation. Sunderland are expected to appoint a new permanent manager with a squad overhaul likely.
Jack Clarke and Jobe Bellingham have both been linked away with Lazio circling. This means a war chest could be available for the new manager if the owners decide to cash in on their stars.
Despite this, we have highlighted five potential ‘cheaper’ options for Sunderland this summer which could fire them back into the Premier League.
Josh Knight
After coming through Leicester’s academy, Josh Knight found a permanent home at Peterborough United in 2021.
Since then, the 26-year-old has made 100 appearances for the Posh and helped them lift the EFL trophy earlier this year.
Deployed as either a defender or a midfielder, Knight has a growing reputation throughout the footballing industry. QPR almost acquired his signature in August before the deal fell through.
As it stands, Knight’s contract is set to expire this June. Peterborough are ‘not panicking’ about the situation with the club set to take part in the League One playoffs next month.
If promotion is not achieved, multiple clubs will no doubt be interested in acquiring his services.
With Jenson Seelt out for the foreseeable future, Knight would be able to add competition to the back line.
Danny Welbeck
The former England international may be hitting the twilight of his career, but he has shown he still has plenty of ability.
Danny Welbeck currently makes his trade at Brighton and Hove Albion. The striker has been a regular in the Seagulls’ side since 2020 and has netted six goals so far this campaign.
Many Sunderland fans will remember the striker from the 2010/11 season when he joined the Black Cats on loan. Here, he enjoyed a successful spell, netting six times in 26 Premier League games.
Welbeck is yet to renew his contract at Brighton which is set to expire this June. With the striker now 33 years old, Sunderland may be able to convince him to drop a division and rejoin his form club.
With goals being problematic for the Black Cats throughout the season, bringing in an experienced former international could help the youngsters regain their clinical touch.
Read more: Everything we know about Sunderland’s pre-season plans so far.
Josh Murphy
With Clarke expected to leave Sunderland this summer, a replacement should be one of the club’s top priorities.
One name linked to the Black Cats in recent weeks is Josh Murphy. The former Newcastle winger has hit form at League One side Oxford United this season. The 29-year-old has scored six and assisted four as they aim for the playoffs.
Described as ‘wonderful’ by boss Des Buckingham, his time down south could soon be up as the end of his deal nears.
Murphy could offer a wealth of experience to the Black Cats as a former Championship regular with Cardiff City.
Chris Wood
The signature of Chris Wood is certainly a long shot, but it’s one worth exploring for Sunderland.
The New Zealand international has been prolific for Nottingham Forest this season, hitting 12 Premier League goals to date. This includes a superb hat-trick against Newcastle late last year.
As a result, Wood has been one of the best-performing strikers in Europe. According to WhoScored, only Son Heung-Min and Phil Foden have a better xG overperformance, not including penalties. This sits at 4.06.
Nottingham Forest’s Premier League status is yet to be confirmed. If the East Midlands club do find themselves relegated, many of their stars will be expected to leave.
This is where Sunderland could come in. If the side can convince him to join the new project, Wood could be fundamental to any promotion campaign.
Former manager Steve Cooper has also been linked to the Sunderland job in recent months. His appointment could well swing the odds in the Black Cats’ favour in the race for Wood’s signature.
Callum O’Hare
Back in the Championship, Coventry could well be about to lose their star man Callum O’Hare this summer.
The attacking midfielder has been fundamental for the FA Cup semi-finalists and has already netted 10 times this season. However, with the summer approaching, the 25-year-old is yet to sign a new deal.
It is expected that O’Hare will opt to move to a Premier League side this summer if his contract situation cannot be resolved.
However, Sunderland could still take advantage of this opportunity. The teams that are set to come down look relatively weak.
If the owners can convince O’Hare that Sunderland’s project will soon guarantee his wish for top-flight football, he may be tempted to come.