‘Sunderland set to break another transfer record with five player hit-list’
Sunderland are looking to add Premier League quality talent to their squad ahead of next season, and could yet break their transfer record again.
The Black Cats have already made their biggest ever purchase this summer, after securing the services of Enzo Le Fee from Roma for £20million.
Le Fee had initially joined on a loan deal, but after Sunderland beat Sheffield United 2-1 in the play-off final to confirm promotion to the Premier League, they were obligated to take the 25-year-old on permanently.
Next season, Regis Le Bris’ side will be joined in the top-flight by Leeds and Burnley, with all three aiming to become the first team in three years to avoid immediate relegation to the Championship.
Sunderland’s transfer window plan revealed
As a result of winning promotion to the Premier League, Sunderland are set to boost their revenue by £150million.
With the challenge of top-flight football around the corner, the Black Cats will have to use much of that extra money to add to their squad, ensuring it is ready for the demands of England’s top teams.
According to Sky Sports News’ Keith Downie, Sunderland want to sign four or five players this summer, and building the spine of their team is a priority, so there is every chance they will break their transfer record again.
Jobe Bellingham is expected to join Borussia Dortmund in the coming days, and Downie added that the Wearside-based club have agreed a fee of £27.8m, plus £4.2m in add-ons, for the sale of the 19-year-old.
Sunderland have almighty task ahead
Football Insider Verdict
Sunderland finished fourth in the Championship last season, an incredible 24 points behind both Leeds and Burnley, who went up automatically.
| Position | Team | Points |
| 1 | Leeds | 100 |
| 2 | Burnley | 100 |
| 3 | Sheffield United | 90 |
| 4 | Sunderland | 76 |
Bridging the gap to the two other promoted sides is enough of a task in itself, but the Mackems will then have to reel in an established Premier League side to ensure they are not the victims of immediate relegation.
Recruitment will be important for Le Bris’ side, and they are expected to splash the cash, but it is vital to ensure that they mix experience with youth.
Sunderland had the youngest squad in the Championship last season, with an average age of 23.6, so adding players who have been there and done it in the Premier League is a must.
If they get their incomings right and make the Stadium of Light a fortress, then the Black Cats at least have hope of avoiding the drop.