6 players Sunderland could target this summer ahead of major contract decisions | OneFootball

Sunderland are planning a measured summer after a promising Premier League return, 12 months on from their Wembley play-off win over Sheffield United. Under Regis Le Bris, Granit Xhaka, Robin Roefs, Omar Alderete and Brian Brobbey have been central, and Florent Ghisolfi is eyeing quality over quantity.

Tiago Gabriel, linked with AC Milan, Bayern Munich and Barcelona, joined Lecce in January last year with 39 appearances. His deal runs to summer 2027, and TransferMarkt suggests a two-year extension option for both parties.

Hayden Hackney has drawn Premier League interest, with Nottingham Forest said to have made a late January move. With Middlesbrough set for another Championship season, the Redcar-born midfielder could be available and looks ready to step up.

If Roefs attracts bids, Sunderland could explore Freiburg keeper Noah Atubolu. Capped 22 times for Germany Under-21s, the 23-year-old has been linked with Manchester United and Inter Milan and might be attainable at a cut price as his deal enters its final year.

Real Madrid’s Thiago Pitarch has 14 senior outings this season, including against Manchester City and Bayern Munich in the Champions League. He will enter his final year, and while a new deal has been mooted, none has been announced.

Shea Charles, a Manchester City academy graduate, aided Southampton’s promotion push and has over 130 senior games. He could be available if they miss out.

Arnau Martinez, a Spain Under-21 wing-back, is nearing 200 senior games for Girona and has been linked with AC Milan, Arsenal and Juventus.

Source: Sunderland Echo