Hull City swoop as Sunderland ready triple player exit
Sunderland are gearing up for a potential return to the Premier League, with three players set to be released by the Black Cats.
The concerning 1-0 defeat to QPR at the Stadium of Light on Saturday (3 May), which made it five losses in a row, has only heightened the Black Cats’ need to make changes to the squad going into next season.
Although much of the transfer budget and strategy will hinge on whether Sunderland achieve promotion via the playoffs, they have already identified three players they will look to move on at the end of the season.
Hull City, who avoided relegation from the Championship on the final day of the season, have already earmarked one player as a potential target.
Aaron Chungh lined up for Hull City trial following Sunderland exit
As reported by the Sunderland Echo (4 May), the Black Cats are set to release goalkeeper Kelechi Chibueze, midfielder Cuba Mitchell, and forward Chungh.
All three have featured for the Under-21s but the trio have failed to follow the same pathway as star player Chris Rigg, who is being hotly touted by Premier League clubs.
Chibueze’s impending departure comes as the biggest surprise after he had signed a one-year extension with the club last summer, whereas Mitchel has seen limited opportunities this season, only making seven appearances.
Chungh has featured in 19 games for the Under-18s this season, often appearing on the right and bagging three goals and one assist.
The 18-year-old has been a mainstay in the youth side, with his performances catching the eye of Hull City, who are set to offer him a trial.
Sunderland Academy their best route to success
Graduates of the Academy of Light have been instrumental in Sunderland’s promotion push this season.
The brilliance of Rigg has stolen this season’s headlines, yet core homegrown players within their squad have contributed massively to their success.
| Sunderland Academy Players | First Team Appearances |
| Dan Neil | 194 |
| Anthony Patterson | 174 |
| Dennis Cirkin | 113 |
| Chris Rigg | 69 |
| Tom Watson | 23 |
Dan Neil has worn the captain’s armband for most of the season and is a perfect embodiment of the side’s industry, whilst Anthony Patterson’s consistency and leadership from the back have attracted a lot of interest.
With Tom Watson’s departure to Brighton confirmed last month, the job of retaining key homegrown players is of utmost importance to the hierarchy on Tyneside.
With Sunderland’s playoff bid starting on Friday (9 May) against Coventry in the first leg of the two clubs’ semi-final at the Coventry Building Society Arena, the Black Cats will be hoping to secure promotion to convince star players to stay in the North East.