Sunderland have performed incredibly well in the transfer markets since Kyril Louis-Dreyfus' arrival at the Stadium of Light. In just two windows, the Black Cats were transformed from play-off hopefuls to a Championship outfit, with the summer going one further and making them Championship play-off contenders.
Very few would have had the Wearsiders to be competing at the top of the division in their first season back in the second tier. Kristjaan Speakman has overseen an impressive rebuild at the club, plucking young talent from across the globe as they try to sustainably grow.
However, there are some out of contract stars that could give the Black Cats an option in the short-term. Chronicle Live has taken a look at some free agents who could make the move to Sunderland as a cheaper option for Mowbray's side.
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Salomon Rondon
Fresh from a somewhat unsuccessful spell at Everton, Rondon terminated his contract with the Toffees last month. The Venezuela striker joined the Blues from Chinese team Dalian Professional in August 2021 and made 31 appearances for Everton, starting 13 matches and scoring three goals.
His contract had been set to expire this summer. Rondon enjoyed a fruitful spell in the North-East with arch-rivals Newcastle in 2018-19, scoring 11 goals in 32 appearances.
At 33-years-old, he wouldn't be the usual profile Speakman et al would target, but he could still offer something in the short term.
Macauley Bonne
Sunderland were reportedly linked with a move for Macauley Bonne during the League One tenure. The striker turned out 43 times for QPR but managed just three goals and spent some time on loan with Ipswich Town last season, scoring 12 goals in 43 outings.
The 27-year-old returned to QPR but has struggled at Loftus Road. QPR terminated Bonne's contract by mutual consent earlier this month after a disappointing spell.
Reports in April last year claimed Sunderland were set to revive their interest in Bonne, but a move would not come to fruition.
Izzy Brown
Once highly rated at Chelsea, Izzy Brown has had his fair share of injuries. The forward suffered a ruptured Achilles during pre-season of 2021 during his time with Preston and left the club in 2022 a week before the season ended, with the club claiming that Brown was not at the required standard.
That comment alone would suggest a move to the Stadium of Light is off the cards, but a short term deal could allow Brown to prove his worth if his fitness is back up to scratch. After all, Alex Pritchard was not deemed good enough by Huddersfield Town and has been one of the standout performers since making the move to Wearside.
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