Six players Sunderland could target this summer before key contract calls | OneFootball

Sunderland are gearing up for a pivotal summer after a promising Premier League return a year on from Wembley victory over Sheffield United. A post-promotion overhaul has reshaped Regis Le Bris’ squad, with Granit Xhaka, Robin Roefs, Omar Alderete and Brian Brobbey prominent.

According to Sunderland Echo, a calmer window is planned as director of football Florent Ghisolfi targets quality over quantity. The club are likely to focus on under-23s and players nearing the final year of deals when the market opens next month.

Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney remains on Premier League radars, with reports of a late January move from Nottingham Forest. As Boro stay in the Championship, he could be available. If Roefs attracts bids, Freiburg’s Noah Atubolu, 23, with 22 Germany Under-21 caps, could be a cut-price alternative.

Lecce centre-back Tiago Gabriel has drawn AC Milan, Bayern Munich and Barcelona after 39 outings since joining from Estrela Amadora in January last year. His deal runs to summer 2027, and TransferMarkt suggests a joint two-year extension option. Real Madrid prospect Thiago Pitarch has been linked amid cordial relations between the clubs, has 14 senior appearances including against Manchester City and Bayern Munich, and enters his final 12 months with no new agreement announced.

Southampton’s Shea Charles, a Manchester City academy graduate, has been part of a promotion push and has over 130 senior games after a loan with Sheffield Wednesday. He could be available at the right price if Saints miss out on the top flight. Girona wing-back Arnau Martinez, 23, is closing on 200 senior appearances after time at La Masia, and has been linked with AC Milan, Arsenal and Juventus.

Source: Sunderland Echo