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

Sunderland aim to reinforce this summer as they gear up for the Europa League. A 2-1 home win over Chelsea sealed seventh and a league-phase berth alongside Juventus and AC Milan, bringing at least eight extra fixtures.

With Regis Le Bris preparing to manage a heavier load, the window opens next week. According to Sunderland Echo, five players entering the final year of their deals could be available in cut-price moves before September.

Curtis Jones, Liverpool, is an ambitious shout that still fits. He played 49 times last season, a little over half from the start, and is into the last 12 months at Anfield. Intelligent and industrious, he could suit Sunderland at the right price.

Middlesbrough captain Hayden Hackney has attracted repeated Premier League interest. Nottingham Forest were said to have made a firm approach late in January, while Everton, Manchester United and Newcastle have also been linked. A dynamic midfielder, he looks ready to step up, though competition would be fierce.

Mario Gila has impressed at centre-back for Lazio since leaving Real Madrid in 2022. He has featured in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League, experience that could help Sunderland in Europe.

Any sale of Robin Roefs would require an enormous bid after a standout debut season on Wearside. If contingency is needed, Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atabolu could be a smart pick, with 22 Germany Under-21 caps and more than 120 senior outings.

Real Madrid prospect Thiago Pitarch has also drawn interest, and the clubs maintain a positive relationship. The Spain youth international made 16 senior appearances this season, including cameos against Manchester City and Bayern Munich. He is into his final year and, while a renewal has been discussed, any impact of Jose Mourinho’s expected arrival on his future is unclear.

Source: Sunderland Echo