Performance and Areas for Improvement
Having finished an impressive sixth in the EFL Championship in the 2022/23 season, Sunderland dropped down 10 places to a disappointing 16th in the 2023/24 season.
The Black Cats made a decent start to the campaign and only suffered two defeats in the whole of August and September. However, a few winless streaks in November, December and January put Sunderland’s backs up against the wall as they struggled for form. A seven-game winless streak in March, which included six-straight defeats, fully derailed their season.
Things went poorly in the FA Cup as well, as Sunderland received a 3-0 humbling at the hands of bitter rivals Newcastle United. The EFL Cup brought little joy with it as well as Sunderland lost 5-3 on penalties to Crewe Alexandra after a 1-1 draw.
Now they will look to gather their resources and attempt to make a push for promotion.
Transfer Strategy
Sunderland have not been in the Premier League since the 2016/17 season when they finished last in the table and were relegated. The following season, they were relegated from the Championship as well and spent the next three seasons in Football League One. In 2021/22, though, their fortunes changed and they slowly resumed the climb in the English football ladder.
However, in the last few seasons, Sunderland have not been able to invest much into acquiring players as they figure out their financial situation. Despite being in the Championship again, they have shown very little sign of revival that would indicate they could be back in the Premier League someday.
Under manager Mike Dodds, the team will look to maximize their potential and become the best they can be.
Squad Needs & Areas for Improvement
Goalkeeper
The Black Cats currently have Anthony Patterson and Simon Moore as their goalkeepers and will need to add at least one more to have sufficient backup in the event of injuries.
Defenders
Since they employ a three-at-the-back tactic with two wing-backs, Sunderland will need a couple more defensive additions to have sufficient depth in order to compete well.
Strikers
Another area they need to address is their strikers and forwards, with Jobe Bellingham starting some games as the number nine towards the end of last season.
Bench Depth
Playing a 46-game Championship season is no easy feat by any means and teams need to have sufficient backup to remain competitive throughout the lengthy season.
Potential Signings & Top Targets
| Sunderland Transfer Targets | Position | Current Club | Estimated Fee |
| César Pérez | Midfielder | Unión La Calera | €2 million |
| Oliver Norwood | Midfielder | Clubless | N/A |
| Robert Cook | Goalkeeper | Perth Glory U21 | N/A |
| Kieffer Moore | Striker | Bournemouth | €2 million |
César Pérez
The 21-year-old Chilean has been a breakout star for his club La Calera so far in the 2023/24 season. He has made a total of 20 appearances across competitions and has also contributed with one goal and three assists. He was also part of Chile’s squad for Copa America 2024 as they were eliminated from the group stages after a lacklustre performance. He can play anywhere in midfield and would be an incredible addition for Sunderland.
Oliver Norwood
With close to 400 Championship appearances and almost 100 in the Premier League, Norwood is one of the most experienced midfielders available currently. He made 30 appearances for Sheffield United across competitions last season scored one goal and provided one assist. Another versatile midfielder, getting him free of cost would be a coup for the Black Cats.
Robert Cook
The 17-year-old Australian is rumored to be joining Sunderland on trial as the Perth shot-stopper has gained acclaim all over his home nation.
Kieffer Moore
Another experienced player with 173 appearances in the Championship and 35 in the Premier League, Moore brings with him experience and also the ability to play on for a couple of years. He was with Bournemouth last season and made 31 appearances across competitions, scoring nine goals and providing one assist.
Financial Capabilities
Sunderland currently have Jobe Bellingham as the biggest asset on their team but will either look to hold onto him or hope he can secure them a massive payout. Aged just 18, Bellingham made an eye-watering 47 appearances for his club last season and will look to get even better this time around.
Budget Overview
Last season, the Black Cats were fairly active in the market and made 19 sales for a total income of €10.62 million. They reinvested most of this and also some more as they signed 22 players for an expenditure of €12.45 million. This left them with a net deficit of -€1.84 million.
Financial Fair Play (FFP)
Sunderland will have to be careful and remain strictly within their means so as not to disturb the balance they have with FFP.
Strategic Spending
An ideal strategy for the club would be to spend on free agents or youth prospects so they do not have to pay much in transfer fees.
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