Sunderland’s returning loanees: What does the future have in store?
Sunderland have 13 players due to return to the Stadium of Light this summer.
With Europa League qualification achieved, the importance of the upcoming summer transfer window has been amplified signficantly.
The Black Cats will be in need of depth across all areas of the squad, while also adding more quality to their starting 11 if they are to replicate the success from the previous campaign.
However, trimming the squad will also be a priority, with 13 players due to return from their loan spells away from Wearside this summer.
Several players have already had their futures confirmed, while a whole host of others will have to wait for the coming months to see what the future has in store for them.
Sunderland’s defensive loanees due to return
The Black Cats brought plenty of defensive quality to the club last summer, but that was only made possible by a handful of exits.
Leo Hjelde, Jenson Seelt, Arthur Masuaku and Timothee Pembele were among those who left on loan, with it likely that it is only Seelt who will have a future at the Stadium of Light this summer.
Aji Alese and Niall Huggins both had moves to the EFL hampered by injuries, while Zak Johnson achieved promotion with York City.
Those three named above are likely to be on their way out this summer, while Anthony Patterson’s future is also up in the air.
Sunderland’s midfield loanees due to return
The only notable midfield loan that was sanctioned by Sunderland was Dan Neil, who won promotion back to the Premier League with Ipswich Town.
His contract is up at the end of the summer, with no indication that he will be offered a new one.
Alan Browne, on the other hand, narrowly missed out on promotion with Middlesbrough, and while he will be expected to return to Sunderland this summer, his stay may well prove to be a short one.
Milan Aleksic is another due to return, but the Black Cats look set to send him back out on loan with a deal with Partizan expected.
Sunderland’s attacking loanees due to return
Simon Adingra’s future remains the most interesting, given that her only joined Sunderland last summer.
| Ligue 1 | Adingra |
| Games | 14 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Chances created | 13 |
| Successful dribbles | 23 |
The Ivorian has thrived on loan at Monaco, though the Ligue 1 side are said to be looking to negotiate a lower transfer fee to make his stay a permanment one.
Nazariy Rusyn and Luis Hemir are the other two attackers due to return on loan, but given the lack of gametime they have had throughout their time with the Black Cats, it’s fair to say that their stays will come to an end this summer.
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