Sunderland’s search for a new head coach continues without resolution but a huge transfer window is now open as the Black Cats look to rebuild their squad.
So while we wait for developments on the new boss, what might that summer window look like for Sunderland and what can their fans expect? Here’s six very early predictions but remember, things can change quickly in football…
JACK CLARKE GOES
Hopefully this first prediction proved to be unfounded but right now, it seems far more likely than not. There looks to be little to no chance of a new deal being agreed and there are echoes of the Ross Stewart saga in that regard; Clarke’s progress has rapidly outpaced Sunderland’s and the club cannot/will not break their wage ceiling to compete with the potential riches that could be on offer from Premier League clubs.
Clarke himself is in no rush to leave a club he loves playing for and that has done so much to help him rebuild his career, and with two years left on his deal there is no need for Sunderland to accept any kind of cut-price bid. If only poor offers materialise, they can reject them and benefit from Clarke’s quality next season. But the longer the current impasse goes on, the more his value will begin to decline. A sale this summer could land a massive windfall for Sunderland, one that would allow for significant reinvestment and also strengthen their hand when it comes to any bids for other players in the squad. While the impact of financial fair play has seen Premier League spending decline in recent windows, it would be a major surprise if no one made a strong move for Clarke and his homegrown status is another appealing attribute. There could also be interest from abroad, too, with Lazio making a late bid in the January window.
