Three free agents for Sunderland to sign this summer
Sunderland AFC will be hoping to bounce back from what has been an underwhelming season for the Black Cats.
The club finished in 16th place, just six points off the relegation zone, after previously finishing 6th in the 2022/23 season.
Sunderland’s model is associated mainly with signing young players and transfers at low-cost fees, although, with the club having the youngest average age in the starting line-up in the Championship last season – some experience would be a valuable asset.
Below, we take a look at three free agents that could be suitable for Sunderland.
Tyrese Campbell – Stoke City
A striker very much feels like the priority for Sunderland, as Ross Stewart departed last summer for Southampton – the club have not managed to replace him and his goals properly.
Summer signings Luis Semedo from Benfica, Chelsea loanee Mason Burstow and Ukrainian Nazariy Rusyn scored just three league goals between them – the club also tried using midfielders in the striker role such as Jobe Bellingham and Adil Aouchiche.
Tyrese Campbell could prove to be a shrewd signing on a free transfer. His main position being a striker but also having the capability to play left and right-wing would be very useful. Also, the 2024/25 season will be his seventh in the Championship, this experience will be a great help to the vast number of young players in the squad.
The former England U20 international has 34 goals in 154 games for The Potters and could solve the striking woes at the club.
Divin Mubama – West Ham United
Another striker option on a free could be 19-year-old West Ham talent Divin Mubama. The young forward has a very impressive goal return at youth level, with 22 goals in 35 games for West Ham’s Academy side.
Also, we have previously seen Sunderland make signings from The Hammers’ youth ranks – with midfielder Pierre Ekwah and defender Aji Alese proving to be successful signings for the Black Cats.
Mubama has had limited game time under former Sunderland manager, David Moyes, and with Sunderland’s commitment to giving youngsters a chance in first team football and getting regular game time – this may be an appealing option for both parties.
Chris Willock – Queens Park Rangers
Sunderland’s star player this season has been without doubt winger Jack Clarke. The 23-year-old scored 15 goals and provided four assists and has attracted the interest of Premier League and European clubs. It was rumoured in January that Lazio had a bid rejected as well as interest from Burnley, Brentford and Crystal Palace.
In the event of Clarke potentially leaving, Sunderland will need a ready-made replacement who can contribute goals and assists as well as fitting the club’s model of buying players who could be perceived to be undervalued.
Chris Willock is somebody who fits these criteria. The 26-year-old left-winger was QPR’s player of the season in the 21/22 season, and has been a regular since joining from Benfica.
The Arsenal academy man will provide much-needed experience as well as versatility – as he is capable of playing across attacking midfield and right-wing.
