It’s been a tumultuous ride for Sunderland this season, marked by managerial turnover and a struggle to find stability on the field.
The Black Cats found themselves under the guidance of their third manager by February, highlighting the challenges they’ve faced in finding the right leadership to steer the team forward.
The season kicked off with Tony Mowbray at the helm, but his tenure was cut short in early December due to a string of poor results, winning only two of the last nine games during his reign.
Michael Beale stepped in as his replacement but failed to turn things around, enduring a disastrous run before being shown the door after just 12 matches in charge.
Now, the reins have been handed to Mike Dodds on an interim basis, with the goal of salvaging a playoff spot, albeit with slim odds.
In addition to managerial instability, Sunderland is grappling with deficiencies in key areas on the field, necessitating immediate attention. While last summer’s recruitment efforts may have fallen short, there’s optimism that young signings will mature and contribute positively in the future.
Recent free-agent acquisitions like Phil Jones and Lys Mousset offer potential solutions to pressing needs within the squad. Additionally, emerging talents such as Tyrhys Dolan and Tyrese Campbell represent promising additions for the club’s long-term vision.
As Sunderland navigates through the remainder of the season, they’ll be aiming to address their immediate challenges while laying the groundwork for a brighter future.
| Sunderland – 2023/24 Summer Signings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Player Name | Signed From | Loan/Permanent |
| Nazariy Rusyn | Zorya Lugansk | Permanent |
| Jenson Seelt | PSV | Permanent |
| Jobe Bellingham | Birmingham City | Permanent |
| Eliezer Mayenda | FC Sochaux | Permanent |
| Luis Semedo | Benfica B | Permanent |
| Nectarios Triantis | Central Coast | Permanent |
| Bradley Dack | Blackburn Rovers | Permanent |
| Timothee Pembele | PSG | Permanent |
| Adil Aouchiche | FC Lorient | Permanent |
| Nathan Bishop | Man United | Permanent |
| Mason Burstow | Chelsea | Loan |
But one area they did not look into for young players was the free agent market, but this is an area they could dip into in the summer, whilst getting experience to see them over the line in the short term.
Here we take a look at five free agents Sunderland could take a look at bringing in either now or in the summer to solve those problems.
Phil Jones
Sunderland’s shortage of depth at centre back this season has been evident, creating a pressing need for reinforcements in that position. Phil Jones emerges as a compelling candidate to bolster their defensive line.
While Jones’ recent playing time has been limited, his experience and potential impact cannot be overlooked. Despite featuring in just five games over the past three-and-a-half seasons, the fact that he has remained injury-free for over a year suggests that he could provide valuable stability to Sunderland’s backline.
As a free agent following his departure from Manchester United, the 32-year-old presents an opportunity for Sunderland to secure a seasoned presence in defense. Jones’ credentials as a former Premier League winner add weight to his suitability for the role, offering invaluable leadership qualities and top-flight experience to a young Sunderland squad.
Bringing in Jones could not only address the immediate need for depth at centre back but also provide mentorship and guidance to the club’s emerging defensive talents. His presence could prove invaluable as Sunderland navigates the challenges of the run-in and seeks to solidify their position in the league standings.
Lys Mousset
Sunderland’s struggle to find a consistent goal scorer this season has been a significant concern, with several players failing to establish themselves in the role. The burden of scoring has largely fallen on the shoulders of Jack Clarke, who has had to step up from the wing to fill the void.
In the absence of Clarke due to injury, Sunderland urgently need a striker who can deliver goals in the short term and alleviate the pressure on their attacking department.
Lys Mousset emerges as a potential solution to this problem. The former Bournemouth and Sheffield United striker recently departed German side VFL Bochum in January and brings with him a track record of clinical finishing, particularly in the Championship.
Despite limited experience in the second tier of English football, Mousset has demonstrated his ability to find the back of the net, boasting an impressive record of three goals in seven matches, averaging 0.84 goals per 90 minutes.
While Mousset faced challenges during a loan spell in France last season and struggled to make an impact in Germany, his unfinished business and desire to prove himself in English football could serve as motivation for a successful stint at Sunderland.
Bringing in Mousset would provide the club with a much-needed injection of firepower up front and offer a fresh opportunity for the striker to showcase his talents and rediscover his form in familiar surroundings.
Tyrhys Dolan
With Jack Clarke emerging as one of Sunderland’s standout performers this season and drawing significant interest, the club faces the challenge of finding a suitable replacement for the winger. While Clarke’s goal-scoring prowess may be difficult to replicate, the Black Cats can still target a young, talented winger with room to grow and make an impact in the Championship.
Tyrhys Dolan, currently plying his trade for Blackburn Rovers, presents an intriguing option for Sunderland’s recruitment strategy. Over the past three seasons, Dolan has demonstrated his ability to find the back of the net consistently, with at least four goals in each campaign. However, in a Sunderland setup that emphasizes pushing wingers further forward, Dolan could potentially increase his goal-scoring output significantly.
At 22 years old, Dolan aligns well with Sunderland’s approach of signing promising young players with high potential. While he may not have as lofty a ceiling as Clarke, Dolan has already shown glimpses of his quality and has the opportunity to continue developing and flourishing in the Black Cats’ setup.
Bringing in Dolan would not only help fill the void left by Clarke but also inject fresh talent and energy into Sunderland’s attacking department. His versatility and goal-scoring ability make him a shrewd addition to the squad, capable of making an impact both in the short term and as a building block for the future.
Tyrese Campbell
Whilst Lys Mousset could be a short-term option until the end of the season, Sunderland would more than likely prefer to have a younger, more long-term option who guarantees goals and will only get better and better.
Tyrese Campbell is out of contract at fellow Championship side Stoke City in the summer, and could be a great option.
A proven goal scorer in the second tier, he has barely got a look in this season, being mainly used as a substitute.
But he has shown in the past how good he can be – even last season, he scored nine goals and got five assists in 41 Championship games.
As aforementioned, Sunderland are desperate for a proven, goal scoring striker, and Campbell has shown to be that. At the age of 24, he has plenty of time to get better and better, too.
Nathan Wood
With Dan Ballard potentially leaving Sunderland in the summer, the club faces the prospect of finding a replacement at centre back. Nathan Wood emerges as a compelling option to fill this void, particularly given his consistent performances for Swansea City in the Championship.
At just 21 years old, Wood has already established himself as a regular presence in Swansea’s defense over the past season-and-a-half, showcasing his maturity and defensive prowess at a young age. His acquisition would not only address Sunderland’s immediate need for defensive reinforcements but also align with the club’s strategy of investing in promising young talents with high potential.
Wood’s impressive rise hasn’t gone unnoticed, as evidenced by former Swansea manager Russell Martin’s attempt to bring him to Southampton for £10 million last summer. This interest speaks volumes about Wood’s quality and potential as a top-tier defender.
Moreover, with Wood’s contract set to expire in the next six months, Sunderland could potentially secure his services at a reasonable price, making him an even more attractive prospect for the club.
Bringing in Wood would not only bolster Sunderland’s defensive options but also provide a long-term solution at centre back, ensuring solidity and stability in the heart of the defense for seasons to come.
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