The upcoming summer is going to be a huge one when it comes to Sunderland with a number of additions needed to be made and most likely a number of players set to be linked with moves away. I’ve taken a look through the current Sunderland squad and given my opinion on what should happen with them this summer. Part one: keepers and defenders...
ANTHONY PATTERSON: KEEP
He’s had an excellent season. Beyond that, he’s been one of the best goalkeepers in the league. Sunderland will struggle to get a goalkeeper that can possess the immediate quality that Patterson can. Tuesday’s encounter at Elland Road was his 104th consecutive start for Sunderland and the constant transfer links with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool are just further evidence as to the incredible development path he is currently on.
ALEX BASS: SELL
Sunderland are well-stocked when it comes to goalkeepers, especially with the recent emergence of Matty Young who is excelling on loan at Darlington. Alex Bass has barely featured for Sunderland and looked largely unconvincing when he has. Currently out on loan to AFC Wimbledon, I don’t see any reason why Bass would be staying at the club. Hopefully his success at Wimbledon means we can get a bit of money for him.
NATHAN BISHOP: KEEP-ISH
It’s a strange one with Bishop. He’s hardly played and doesn’t exactly have the experience that would be valuable in a second choice keeper. If Sunderland could bring an experienced head in during the summer to replace him, I’d be all for it. Otherwise I see him remaining at the club.
TRAI HUME: KEEP
No brainer. Hume is one of the best full backs in the league and has been one of our most consistent performers. I expect he’ll be a player with many admirers in the summer but Sunderland need to keep a hold of the core of their team. Hume certainly fits into that.
TIMOTHEE PEMBELE: KEEP
Pembele made his first start for the club against Leeds following his move from PSG and he impressed. He looked much better suited as a wing-back, rather than playing the traditional full-back roll. With a full pre-season and proper integration into the side, I think Pembele will prove to be a very good player for us.
NIALL HUGGINS: KEEP-ISH
I rate Huggins massively. Up until his injury he was arguably our best player, certainly one of them. But that reason right there is why I’m unsure. He’s never fit. This is his third year at the club having made just over 20 appearances in total. He’s a very good player when he's fit, but it comes down to whether he can maintain that fitness.
DENNIS CIRKIN: KEEP
Similar to Hume, I think Cirkin is one of the best full backs in the league and has shown previously he can operate as part of a back three. But again, fitness is his downfall, He’s barely featured this season due to injury and Sunderland have certainly missed him. Keep him fit and monitor him.
LEO HJELDE: SELL
Given he’s only just signed for the club, maybe this is harsh, But I'm yet to see anything from Hjelde to prove he has what it takes to contribute to the team. Granted, he’s played most of his football somewhat out of position at left back, but his lack of defensive awareness and inability to play an accurate pass has been exposed many times already.
AJI ALESE: KEEP
Another injury-prone left-sided defender. But unlike the others, he has featured quite a lot for Sunderland and he always puts in a solid performance wherever he plays. Quick, tall, strong and athletic, Alese has all the attributes to contribute to what could be a very good season for Sunderland next year.
CALLUM STYLES: RETURN TO BARNSLEY
Styles hasn’t been bad when he’s played but he doesn’t offer much excitement. He’s very much a squad player that would be nowhere near the squad next season when players are fit. I have nothing against Styles, I just think he is no more than a squad filler. Admittedly, I’m not sure whether the loan becoming permanent was obligatory or optional.
JENSON SEELT: KEEP
Sunderland won’t really have much of a say in the matter given Seelt is injured for up to nine months. Nevertheless, I’d have come to the same conclusion regardless. Seelt has shown flashes of his ability at both full back and centre back. I can see him becoming a regular in the first team depending how well he can react to his recovery.
DAN BALLARD: KEEP
Ballard is a player that is going to be very hard to replace, so keep him at all costs. Strong, athletic, combative but also plenty of Championship experience despite his age. He has been crucial for Sunderland this season and who knows what could have happened last season had he stayed fit.
LUKE O’NIEN: KEEP
I like O’Nien. Like, really, really, really like O’Nien and I think he gets an unfair amount of stick for what is usually a solid performance. He can be erratic, certainly unorthodox and occasionally costly but again, he has lots of experience and can operate almost anywhere on the pitch. Arguably even goalkeeper after his save against Leeds on Tuesday…
NECTAR TRIANTIS: LOAN
Triantis arrived at Hibs on loan and conceded a few penalties in his first few games and was actually labelled as one of the worst centre halves someone had seen at Hibs. Since then however, he has played in the ‘6’ role as defensive midfielder and has thrived. Whether Sunderland see his future as a defender or midfielder will be something to see in the future but another loan, ideally in England should probably be the decision on Nectar.
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