REPLACING THE DEPARTED

Fresh off the back of an exceptional season which saw the Lads land a seventh-place finish and secure European football for the first time since 1973, the Black Cats have their sights set on new, intriguing incomings. However, a handful of players are also almost certain to be moving on this summer and, with Europe ahead, every departure must be met with an appropriate response from the club. Whether that be dropping £30m on a winger of European pedigree, or taking a gamble on a Gabonese full back. No matter the circumstances, Sunderland must reinvest effectively.

REINILDO’S FUTURE

At 32 years old, Reinildo remains a steady option for defensive cover for the Black Cats and will almost certainly play a part in our upcoming European campaign. However, time waits for no one and the demanding two game a week Europa League schedule poses the risk of pushing the fullback to his physical limits. Having totalled over 300 games in his senior career, it is undeniable that the African’s experience and leadership is invaluable but relying on him to put in a shift every game feels risky. Hence, the Black Cats have interest in Angers’ 22-year-old left back Jacques Ekomié, a younger player who could offer competition and rotation: everything that Sunderland need in preparation of the fixture-ridden schedule ahead.

Ekomié’s profile suits the club’s long term model to a tee. The Gabon international’s qualities lay in his athleticism which is evident through him having racked up 122 senior club appearances before he has even turned 23. His ability to handle tough schedules could be exactly what Sunderland need to deal with Thursday nights across the continent, on top of the regular domestic season.

THE GEERTRUIDA SITUATION

Despite a successful loan spell with the Lads in red and white throughout the 2025/26 season, versatile Dutchman Lutsharel Geertruida’s future remains a topic of uncertainty on Wearside. Lutsharel’s ability to seamlessly slot into virtually any defensive position on the pitch made him Sunderland’s very own Swiss army knife during a highly successful season. With Leipzig’s valuation of the Dutch international having climbed, and Liverpool and Arsenal circling, it seems unlikely that the ex-Feyenoord man will be tied down on a permanent basis. As a result of this, Sunderland had to move quickly to try and get a replacement through the door before the summer window slammed shut.

The solution? Thomas Meunier. Whilst the Belgian isn’t as versatile as Geertruida in the sense the Dutch international operates across the full backline and in midfield, Meunier offers a respectable level of tactical flexibility for significantly less money. At Borussia Dortmund and LOSC Lille, the defender was frequently used as a right sided centre back. He was also expected to step into pockets in midfield, proving that he can operate higher up the pitch. For a club like Sunderland trying to juggle Europe and Premier League fixtures, Thomas Meunier fits the blueprint perfectly for an experienced and reliable utility player, who will bring a sense of security to the dressing room.

MAYENDA REPLACEMENT

After a season of limited minutes and just eight Premier League starts, it almost seemed inevitable that the departure of the “Big Man” would come this summer. However, receiving a fee of around £22m for Eliezer Mayenda’s move to French side Rennes in such an early stage of the window sets up the Black Cats perfectly to bring in a flexible attacker who can cover the front line like Eliezer did.

One of the many names Sunderland have been linked with is Bosnian teenager Kerim Alajbegovic. Having played 44 games for Red Bull Salzburg and netting 13 times last season, the World Cup youngster would be an exceptional replacement. Whilst predominantly a left winger, Alajbegovic regularly operates as a second striker, earning him a fantastic goal output. He fits the bill for a modern forward superbly, being so versatile. The Bosnian would slot easily into Regis Le Bris' tactical system thanks to his ability to press aggressively and work hard defensively.

The big question mark around this move is the competition. The Black Cats will have to square off with fellow European clubs such as Brighton and Hove Albion, VfB Stuttgart, Eintracht Frankfurt and Atalanta to secure the signature of the 18-year-old. With Salzburg valuing the forward well within the seven figure range, it remains to be seen whether Sunderland will be able to beat off our competitors.