5 players Sunderland could target in cut-price deals during the summer transfer window | OneFootball

Sunderland plan to reinforce as the summer window opens next week, with Europa League secured by a 2-1 win over Chelsea and seventh place.

The league phase guarantees at least eight extra games, so depth is essential. Sunderland Echo highlights five players who could be available in cut-price deals as they enter the final year of their contracts.

Curtis Jones would be an ambitious target. Despite 49 Liverpool outings last season, just over half were starts, and with one year left the six-times capped England midfielder could be allowed to move on.

Middlesbrough captain Hayden Hackney has drawn Premier League interest, with Nottingham Forest making a late January move and Everton, Manchester United and Newcastle linked. A dynamic, Redcar-born midfielder, he seems ready to step up, though competition would be strong.

Mario Gila has impressed for Lazio since arriving from Real Madrid in 2022, amassing 120 appearances and experience across the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League. That pedigree could aid Sunderland in Europe.

If Robin Roefs attracts an irresistible bid after a standout debut season, Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atabolu could be a contingency. The Germany Under-21 regular has 22 caps and over 120 senior club appearances, and is expected to step up internationally soon.

Real Madrid youngster Thiago Pitarch has been monitored. The Spanish youth international made 16 senior appearances this season, featuring against Manchester City and Bayern Munich, and enters his last contract year, with Jose Mourinho’s expected arrival adding uncertainty and no new deal announced.

Source: Sunderland Echo