Five cut-price targets Sunderland could pursue in the summer window | OneFootball

Sunderland plan to reinforce for a Europa League campaign as the summer window opens. According to Sunderland Echo, cut-price options include players nearing the final year of their deals.

Regis Le Bris’ side finished seventh after a 2-1 home win over Chelsea. The league phase brings at least eight extra matches, so depth looks vital.

Curtis Jones, Liverpool, struggled for minutes despite 49 outings. The six-times capped England midfielder enters the final 12 months at Anfield and could suit Sunderland at the right price. Middlesbrough captain Hayden Hackney is a dynamic option, long linked with Premier League clubs, with reports of a late January move from Nottingham Forest, and Everton, Manchester United and Newcastle also linked.

Lazio centre-back Mario Gila has also been linked. Since joining from Real Madrid in 2022, he has made 120 appearances and featured in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League, experience that could help in Europe.

If Robin Roefs leaves after a standout first season, Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atabolu is a possible contingency. The Germany Under-21 international has 22 caps and over 120 senior games and is expected to step up to the senior squad soon.

Earlier this year it was suggested Sunderland have an interest in Real Madrid youngster Thiago Pitarch, who will enter the final 12 months of his deal this summer. The Spanish youth international made 16 senior appearances, including against Manchester City and Bayern Munich in the Champions League, with no announcement yet on a new contract.

Source: Sunderland Echo