Dennis Cirkin to exit? - 13 players who could still leave Sunderland before transfer window shuts
Sunderland have a bloated squad, meaning several players should leave the Stadium of Light before the transfer deadline.
Seven players made their debuts against West Ham, highlighting the amount of business the Black Cats have carried out.
Sunderland lost Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson at the start of the summer, paving the way for seismic spending.
However, with weeks to go until the window closes, Dennis Cirkin and a host of others could depart the North East before the window closes.
Cirkin could be squashed out of Regis Le Bris' team
Reinildo Mandava was committed to Atletico Madrid, and he showed early signs of promise against the Hammers.
The 31-year-old started the season at left-back and did a valiant job in the absence of Cirkin and Leo Fuhr Hjelde.
Indeed, Sunderland have also signed Arthur Masuaku, meaning competition is fierce on the left side of Le Bris' defence.
Cirkin has entered the final year of his contract, and there has been radio silence over a new deal on Wearside.
- Reinildo staked his claim against West Ham
- Masuaku was also brought in at left-back
- Cirkin has less than a year left on his contract
With the former Tottenham man out injured, he could be mulling over his future with the Black Cats and may well leave before 1 September.
Alan Browne leads Sunderland fringe players who could leave
Browne did a stellar job when called upon last season, providing much-needed experience in the hub of Le Bris' midfield.
However, given the upgrade in quality and sheer numbers in centre-midfield, he could return to the Championship this summer.
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Championship | 22 | 1 | 0 |
| Championship play-offs | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Ian Poveda has been a catastrophe on Wearside, and given his lack of impact and off-field issues, he will surely be on his way.
Another name primed for the exit is Abdoullah Ba, who made an impact under Tony Mowbray, but was ostracised by Le Bris.
Nazariy Rusyn has been a hard worker for the Wearsiders, but a lack of impact means he is waiting for suitors this summer.
Nectarios Triantis, Joe Anderson, Jay Matete, Timothee Pembele, Luis Hemir Semedo, and Hjelde could also be moved on amid the influx of signings.
Milan Aleksic and Sunderland youngsters to be loaned out?
Aleksic is one of several young players who could be loaned out to gain valuable first-team experience.
The Serbian was a record signing in the Kyril Louis-Dreyfus era at one point, but he faces a battle for minutes.
That means a loan move would be suitable for the Serbian, so he can continue to grow and build a future on Wearside.
Ahmed Abdullahi is yet to make his competitive debut for the Black Cats, having arrived with an injury last summer.
He will surely find chances limited at the Stadium of Light, but a loan would allow him to get some minutes under his belt.
- Cirkin would be a high-profile departure from Wearside
- A host of fringe players are no longer needed
- Sunderland should sanction a couple of loans
Sunderland do not appear to be done in the transfer market, meaning there could be a flood of departures before 1 September.
Sign up for the Mackem News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Sunderland AFC news sent straight to your phone.