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:
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.
![Since signing from Arsenal two years ago, the Northern Ireland international has cemented himself as a key player for the Black Cats and one of the best centre-backs in the Championship. Ballard has played 65 times in all competitions for Sunderland since 2022, including 42 league appearances last campaign. Given the length of Ballard's contract and his importance to the team, Sunderland are expected to ask for in the region of £20million for his services in the event of transfer enquiries, a significant profit from his £2million arrival in 2022 from Arsenal, though the Gunners may well be owed certain add-ons. Ipswich Town and Everton have been credited with an interest in the defender.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmRhNGU1YjE2LTA4YzAtNGI2OS05NDA4LTIzMDQ1ZTJlYTVkMDo0NWNkOTVkNS1jZGI5LTRiZjQtOWQ3NS1hN2ZjMmZmZjk5YzQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
5. Dan Ballard
Since signing from Arsenal two years ago, the Northern Ireland international has cemented himself as a key player for the Black Cats and one of the best centre-backs in the Championship. Ballard has played 65 times in all competitions for Sunderland since 2022, including 42 league appearances last campaign. Given the length of Ballard's contract and his importance to the team, Sunderland are expected to ask for in the region of £20million for his services in the event of transfer enquiries, a significant profit from his £2million arrival in 2022 from Arsenal, though the Gunners may well be owed certain add-ons. Ipswich Town and Everton have been credited with an interest in the defender. Photo: Frank Reid
![Former Leeds United and Tottenham man Clarke has two years left on his present deal amid transfer speculation. Lazio placed two bids for the 23-year-old last January after Burnley had shown interest last summer. West Ham and Southampton are also known to be interested.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/06/17/10/35/Jack%20Clarke%20scored%2015%20Championship%20goals%20for%20Sunderland%20during%20the%202023/24%20season.%20Photo%3A%20Frank%20Reid.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
6. Jack Clarke
Former Leeds United and Tottenham man Clarke has two years left on his present deal amid transfer speculation. Lazio placed two bids for the 23-year-old last January after Burnley had shown interest last summer. West Ham and Southampton are also known to be interested. | Frank Reid
![Patterson’s successful run in Sunderland’s first-team has prompted transfer reports to emerge linking Arsenal, Liverpool and Celtic with a move during the summer window. Some outlets have rated the goalkeeper as worth as much as £10million to £20million. The Echo understands that the interest from the trio is indeed genuine. As reported in April, The Echo understands that Patterson, a boyhood Sunderland fan, is not expecting to leave, nor is he actively pushing for a move. However, that picture could change should attractive offers from higher-level clubs come in.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/06/16/12/14/GettyImages-2148126361.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
7. Anthony Patterson
Patterson’s successful run in Sunderland’s first-team has prompted transfer reports to emerge linking Arsenal, Liverpool and Celtic with a move during the summer window. Some outlets have rated the goalkeeper as worth as much as £10million to £20million. The Echo understands that the interest from the trio is indeed genuine. As reported in April, The Echo understands that Patterson, a boyhood Sunderland fan, is not expecting to leave, nor is he actively pushing for a move. However, that picture could change should attractive offers from higher-level clubs come in. | Getty Images
![Rigg signed a two-year scholarship deal with Sunderland last summer, yet FA rules mean he can’t sign a professional contract until after his 17th birthday on June 18. There has been Premier League interest from the likes of Newcastle United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United in the teenage midfielder, who made 21 Championship appearances during the 2023-24 season.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjIxYTJhMjJiLWI4ZWYtNGI0My05OWM3LTFjYTQ4MmI1MjEwNDowZTk3Y2I5Yi1iMzY4LTQ2MDMtYTVlYS0xZTAyOTNiZDcyNTQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
8. Chris Rigg
Rigg signed a two-year scholarship deal with Sunderland last summer, yet FA rules mean he can’t sign a professional contract until after his 17th birthday on June 18. There has been Premier League interest from the likes of Newcastle United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United in the teenage midfielder, who made 21 Championship appearances during the 2023-24 season. Photo: Frank Reid