Sunderland fans will be hoping for a busy summer of transfers this season as the club look to strengthen upon promotion to the Championship. The step up from League One is a big one and it cannot be done effectively without personnel improvements during the summer, meaning swift and decisive spending is vital.
Keeping hold of in-demand players is just as important as signing new ones, especially for sides like Sunderland, Wigan Athletic and Rotherham - the three promoted teams will have a gruelling summer ahead as they look to bolster their squads while fending off interest for some of their key assets.
The mood around the Stadium of Light is one of impatience. If the club fail to act quickly and get the ball rolling, they will be left panicking towards the end of the window and bringing players in too late to be integrated with pre-season training - the sheer number of signings needed will also add to the anxiety. But how have the Black Cats fared at this early juncture compared to their fellow promoted sides?
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Sunderland
The club have a major rebuild on the cards as loanees and senior players depart and upgrades are required. Alex Neil will likely be looking for additions in virtually every position, and he will be hopeful of bringing back a couple of loanees such as Jack Clarke from Tottenham.
Despite this, only one signing has been confirmed in the shape of Leon Dajaku, whose loan deal from German outfit Union Berlin was made permanent. Furthermore, links have been tenuous at best, with murmurs of the likes of Robbie Brady and Cameron Archer failing to gain traction.
Equally as important is keeping hold of Ross Stewart, who has attracted interest from Rangers. The Scotland international bagged 26 goals in 49 League One matches, catching the eye of a host of Championship sides as well as the Scottish giants.
Rotherham United
Similarly to the Black Cats, keeping hold of their main goalscorer is a priority for Rotherham. The difference being, however, 19-goal Michael Smith is out of contract at the club and looks likely to move on.
The Millers moved quickly to secure free agent Connor Washington at the end of May after 22 goals in 71 league appearances for the Addicks, potentially as a pre-emptive replacement for Smith.
Paul Warne looks set to land striker number two in the coming days, with Hull City’s Tom Eaves due for a medical shortly.
Wigan Athletic
The Latics have also been struggling to bring talent through the doors early, with Torquay United keeper Matt Wonnacott the only confirmed arrival.
Leam Richardson’s side will have their work cut out to keep Will Keane after he bagged 26 goals in 44 League One appearances, and they too will have returning loanees to replace such as Kell Watts.
They have been looking for midfield reinforcements, leading to links with Hull City’s Richard Smallwood, but have also been quiet in terms of incomings.
