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.
![The 18-year-old started 43 Championship matches during the 2023-24 season, scoring seven goals, following his arrival from Birmingham last summer. The length of Bellingham’s Sunderland contract was never disclosed after his move to Wearside, yet it’s understood he still has three years left on his deal. Crystal Palace are one of the clubs known to be interested in Bellingham, while Tottenham, Brenford and newly-promoted Southampton are also said to be monitoring his situation.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjZhMjBmNzUyLWU4NGQtNGJjYy1iYThlLTg3MGFjNDZjMDNlNjo1MDUzNzcxNS1iODljLTQ3YzItYjRmNy02NDFiZTljMjQ2NWY=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
9. Jobe Bellingham
The 18-year-old started 43 Championship matches during the 2023-24 season, scoring seven goals, following his arrival from Birmingham last summer. The length of Bellingham’s Sunderland contract was never disclosed after his move to Wearside, yet it’s understood he still has three years left on his deal. Crystal Palace are one of the clubs known to be interested in Bellingham, while Tottenham, Brenford and newly-promoted Southampton are also said to be monitoring his situation.Photo: Frank Reid
![The 22-year-old full-back started 45 Championship matches for the Black Cats during the 2023-24 season, while he signed a contract extension last summer, prolonging his deal until 2027 - with an option of a further year. Hume’s form has led to reported interest from several clubs, with Sunday Life Sport claiming Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Leicester City, Leeds United and Italian club Napoli are ‘keeping an eye on’ his progress.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/06/18/15/54/GettyImages-1821022603+%281%29.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
10. Trai Hume
The 22-year-old full-back started 45 Championship matches for the Black Cats during the 2023-24 season, while he signed a contract extension last summer, prolonging his deal until 2027 - with an option of a further year. Hume’s form has led to reported interest from several clubs, with Sunday Life Sport claiming Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Leicester City, Leeds United and Italian club Napoli are ‘keeping an eye on’ his progress. | Getty Images