Unable to build upon last year’s sixth-place finish, Sunderland fell into the bottom half of the table after yet more managerial upheaval.
Mike Dodds is currently interim head coach, having taken over from Micheal Beale in February, but he’s not expected to take the role on permanently after a run of just x wins in 13.
Beale lasted just nine weeks after replacing Tony Mowbray, and with a decision not yet made on who will be Beale’s permanent successor, more uncertainty faces the club.
Sunderland are yet to tie down the futures of Bradley Dack, Corry Evans or Ellis Taylor, whose contracts expire this summer. Whilst Anthony Patterson and Jack Clarke are set to attract considerable interest.
The Black Cats are facing something of a reality check after the near-heady heights of back-to-back promotions.
They’ve struggled to replace the impact of former loanee Amad Diallo, and how they react to inevitably losing the likes of Patterson and Clarke will dictate whether they can put this season behind them and push back up the table.
We take a look at the players who are likely to leave the club this summer.
Bradley Dack
Bradley Dack only joined Sunderland last summer on a free transfer from Blackburn Rovers
but has struggled with thigh problems all season, making just 17 appearances in all competitions.
The 30-year-old started positively with a goal and an assist in his first four games. But injuries halted any momentum Dack was building, and despite returning to fitness at points during the season, he has suffered further setbacks in his rehabilitation and has found it increasingly difficult to force his way into Sunderland’s squad.
Dack has significant Championship pedigree, having spent six years at Blackburn, and if he can prove his fitness, then it’s unlikely he’ll struggle to find another club with his contract set to expire in June 2024.
Corry Evans
Another midfielder racked by injuries, club captain Corry Evans has missed almost the entire season with an ACL injury.
The 33-year-old returned to the team for the final few weeks of the season but is unlikely to remain at the club beyond this summer.
Evans signed a contract extension last year, but with the deal expiring in June, a decision needs to be made on whether the midfielder will renew again in light of his long-term injury.
The Northern Irishman has been an integral part of Sunderland’s squad since arriving from Blackburn in 2021, helping them to promotion to the Championship in his first season and taking on the responsibility of captaining the team.
Sunderland have the youngest squad on average in the Championship this season, and Evans’ experience and influence is invaluable. But having just come back from a long-term injury at 33 and with his contract set to expire, it feels as though his departure is inevitable.
Ellis Taylor
Academy graduate Ellis Taylor has struggled for game time this season, playing just 45 minutes in the EFL Cup.
Taylor has also had injury problems and, despite making a goalscoring return to action with Sunderland’s U21s at the end of April, his future at the club is uncertain.
The 21-year-old is at a crossroads in his career and needs to play consistent first-team football.
The focus for now will be on Taylor’s rehabilitation but a decision regarding his future will be made this summer.
Jack Clarke
Jack Clarke has been arguably Sunderland’s most important player this season.
The 23-year-old has contributed to more goals than any other Sunderland player this season, either scoring or assisting 37% of the Black Cats’ goals.
His performances have inevitably attracted interest from elsewhere, with Sunderland rebuffing Lazio’s advances in January. But the Wearsiders are unlikely to be able to retain his services beyond this summer.
Clarke has ambitions to play in the Premier League again, having struggled to break through at former club Tottenham, and with Sunderland failing to build on last season’s promotion push, they’re unable to offer the winger what he wants.
Sunderland will want to secure a hefty fee for Clarke and with two years remaining on his current deal, this summer feels like an opportune time to cash in.
Anthony Patterson
Goalkeeper Anthony Patterson has been a figure of consistency during Sunderland’s recent renaissance.
After taking on the number one jersey in the second half of the 2021-22 season, he helped Sunderland to promotion from League One, conceding just one goal in the playoffs, including a clean sheet against Wycombe Wanderers in the final.
He has since played every minute for the Black Cats in the Championship, becoming a reliable presence in between the sticks.
The 23-year-old is vastly experienced for a goalkeeper of his age and his performances have led Liverpool to register their interest.
Patterson represents another success for Sunderland’s academy, after the sale of Everton and England number-one Jordan Pickford in 2017, and they’ll be looking to earn a similar fee to the one they received for the Premier League shot-stopper when clubs come calling for Patterson.
Sunderland’s failure to push for the playoffs this season means they look set to lose a host of their prized assets in the summer.
It will be a tough job for whichever manager comes in on a permanent basis. But with a young and talented squad, they have the opportunity to reinvest the money wisely and make a concerted push once again for promotion next season.
