For a bit of fun, we've used the latest edition of Football Manager to travel five years into the future, and taken a look at how Sunderland's side shapes up. This is how the management simulator predicts the Black Cats will be lining up in January 2026.
1. GK: Luke McGee
You join us in January 2026, and it's not great news - Sunderland are still in League One, after plenty of play-off agony. McGee, formerly of Portsmouth, starts between the sticks due to the preferred number one's injury. Photo: Gareth Copley
2. CB: Nathan Phillips
He left Liverpool permanently in 2022, and spent three highly-successful seasons Down Under with Sydney FC. He's one of the club's most valuable assets. Photo: NEIL HALL
3. CB: Marcos Rojo
Goodness me, what a coup! Yes, the Argentina international decided to give up a huge chunk of his pay packet to join the Black Cats in League One. Perhaps understandably, he's the highest-paid player, and the skipper. Photo: PAUL ELLIS
4. CB: Tyler Blackett
The 31-year-old completes a dynamic back-three, and is a new signing, joining from Sheffield Wednesday for £350k. He's been one of Sunderland's most reliable performers in the 2025/26 season thus far. Photo: George Wood