Sunderland’s Ambitious £62m Summer Transfer Window Forecast, Featuring Deals with Chelsea, West Ham, and Leicester City

Sunderland are finalizing preparations ahead of new coach Regis Le Bris’ first season at the Stadium of Light.

Last season marked a period of transition for the Black Cats, as they parted ways with former manager Tony Mowbray.

His successor, Michael Beale, faced a challenging short-term stint, and interim manager Mike Dodds saw out an underwhelming campaign.

Now, there are high hopes that former Lorient head coach Le Bris can bring significant improvement to his newly-inherited squad.

With a month left in the summer transfer window, Sunderland have completed the signings of Coventry City goalkeeper Simon Moore, Leeds United winger Ian Poveda, and Preston North End midfielder Alan Browne, all on free transfers.

But what other business could Le Bris and the Black Cats conduct over the coming month? We used Football Manager 2024 to simulate the coming weeks and see which new signings might arrive at the Stadium of Light:

Goalkeepers

There were two new additions to the Black Cats’ goalkeeping ranks. The real-life addition of former Coventry City stopper Simon Moore was joined by the virtual signing of Wigan Athletic’s Sam Tickle, who moved to the Stadium of Light in a £1.5m deal.

Le Bris’ goalkeeping options: Patterson, Moore, Tickle

Defenders

Interestingly, there were no new defensive additions for the Black Cats, but there was one significant departure. Trai Hume moved to Premier League newcomers Leicester City in a £12m deal.

Additionally, Joe Anderson joined Aberdeen on a season-long loan without an option for a permanent move. Nectarios Triantis also went out on loan, spending the season with Bristol Rovers.

Le Bris’ defensive options: Ballard, Seelt, O’Nien, Alese, Cirkin, Hjelde, Huggins, Pembele

Midfielders

The midfield saw significant changes. Jobe Bellingham was snapped up by Chelsea in an £18m move but returned to Sunderland on a season-long loan.

He will be joined by Chelsea youngster Cesare Casadei, who made a similar move. Academy product Elliott Embleton was sold to Doncaster Rovers in a £500,000 deal, and Jay Matete will spend the season with Wycombe Wanderers.

Additionally, Slovakia international Ondrej Duda joined in a £3m move from Hellas Verona.

Le Bris’ midfield options: Ekwah, Neil, Browne, Rigg, Bellingham, Aouchiche, Duda, Casadei

Forwards

Sunderland supporters finally saw the arrival of strikers they have been craving. Former Middlesbrough forward Chuba Akpom returned to the Championship after the Black Cats agreed on a £5m deal with Dutch giants Ajax.

He will be joined by Tottenham Hotspur youngster Dane Scarlett, who was signed on a season-long loan.

There were also departures at the top end of the pitch, with in-demand winger Jack Clarke making a £21m move to West Ham United. Nazariy Rusyn and Hemir went on loan to Zoria Luhansk and Exeter City, respectively, and Jewison Bennette completed a £1m permanent switch to French club Le Havre.

Le Bris’ forward options: Akpom, Scarlett, Poveda, Roberts, Lihadji, Rusyn (on loan), Hemir (on loan), Bennette (sold)

Sunderland’s squad is shaping up under Le Bris, who is expected to build on the foundation laid by his predecessors.

The new additions and strategic departures highlight the club’s ambition to compete effectively in the upcoming season.

Fans are eager to see how these changes will impact the team’s performance and whether Le Bris can lead them to greater success.