Transfers: 10 Sunderland players linked with summer exits as Everton, West Ham and Southampton circle

By James Copley

Published 19th Jun 2024, 08:00 BST

The transfer window is now underway with several Sunderland players linked with exits this summer

Sunderland have completed their first summer transfer deal earlier this week with the departure of goalkeeper Alex Bass.

After a successful season on loan at AFC Wimbledon in League Two last season, Bass now joined Notts County for an undisclosed fee. Bass joined Sunderland from Portsmouth after the club’s promotion from League One but was unable to force his way past Anthony Patterson in the pecking order.

Sunderland’s Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said the move made sense for all parties, particularly given the young goalkeepers pushing through the club’s academy. Matty Young had a hugely successful loan at Darlington last season, while Adam Richardson is also highly rated.

Speakman said: “Alex had a successful loan last season and he is eager to continue playing regular football moving forward. After discussing multiple options heading into the summer - considering Alex’s future and the continued development of our younger goalkeepers - we agreed this move was the best outcome for all parties. All at SAFC wish Alex the best of luck in the next stage of his career.”

Here, though, we take a look at the 10 Sunderland players who are being linked with summer transfer exits after the departure of Bass:

The young Sunderland full-back has been linked with Everton. Bainbridge signed a deal with the Black Cats last summer. The contract, penned in June, keeps the youngster tied down to the club until 2025. Sunderland also have the option to extend it by a further 12 months.

1. Oliver Bainbridge

The young Sunderland full-back has been linked with Everton. Bainbridge signed a deal with the Black Cats last summer. The contract, penned in June, keeps the youngster tied down to the club until 2025. Sunderland also have the option to extend it by a further 12 months.Photo: Chris Fryatt

Sunderland's recent retained list revealed that Kelly was set to remain at the Academy of Light next season after the club triggered an option in the player's deal. However, reports have suggested that the player could depart on loan next season.

2. Caden Kelly

Sunderland's recent retained list revealed that Kelly was set to remain at the Academy of Light next season after the club triggered an option in the player's deal. However, reports have suggested that the player could depart on loan next season.Photo: Chris Fryatt

The highly-rated 17-year-old worked wonders while out on loan at Darlington last season and may well go out on loan again next season with multiple clubs in the EFL and National League interested in his services.

3. Matty Young

The highly-rated 17-year-old worked wonders while out on loan at Darlington last season and may well go out on loan again next season with multiple clubs in the EFL and National League interested in his services.Photo: Ben Cuthbertson

While Sunderland will be looking to strengthen ahead of the new campaign, they may also have to fend off interest in some of their key players. It was recently reported that Ipswich are looking at Pierre Ekwah, who made 40 Championship appearances last season.

4. Pierre Ekwah

While Sunderland will be looking to strengthen ahead of the new campaign, they may also have to fend off interest in some of their key players. It was recently reported that Ipswich are looking at Pierre Ekwah, who made 40 Championship appearances last season. | Getty Images

Sunderland Everton West Ham Southampton Kristjaan Speakman League Two Notts County Promotion League One Portsmouth

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