Tony Mowbray's Sunderland have returned to pre-season training this morning ahead of their 2023-24 Championship campaign. The Black Cats have enjoyed a six-week break following their play-off semi-final defeat to Luton Town and will be ramping up preparations in the coming weeks.
New arrival Jobe Bellingham was the first of four new arrivals spotted at the Academy of Light this morning with Nectarios Triantis, Jenson Seelt and Luis Semedo all on Wearside after sealing moves earlier this summer.
Luke O'Nien seemed pleased to be back in training after the summer break with shouts of "We are back baby" as he walked through the main door. He greeted Alex Pritchard and then Lynden Gooch who returns for his 11th pre-season with the club.
Elliot Embleton could return to action this summer after missing the second half of the season after breaking his leg. The academy graduate picked up the injury in the 1-1 draw with Hull City back in December 2022 and is expected to return to play a part in pre-season.
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Fresh from signing a new deal at the Stadium of Light, Dennis Cirkin reported for duty this morning. The Black cats have tied him down to the summer of 2026 along with fellow defender Trai Hume.
Youngster Ellis Taylor - who's in the final year of his contract - looks set for a make or break summer. He's reported for first-team duty after spending the majority of last season on the fringes.
Defender Daniel Ballard was also back at the Academy of Light this morning after an impressive campaign. There has been speculation linking him with a move away from Sunderland this summer, but as of yet, there's been no official approach and he'll play a key part in any promotion push next season.
