Sunderland’s January transfer window is shaping up to be a busy one, with the club eyeing new signings and several current players linked to potential departures. As speculation intensifies, here’s a detailed look at who might be leaving the Stadium of Light and who is likely to remain.
Players Likely to Leave
Jewison Bennette
The Costa Rican winger’s time on Wearside appears to be coming to an end. After spending an extended period with the U21s, Bennette’s first-team prospects seem slim. A loan move has been widely discussed, and it would now be a surprise if he stayed at Sunderland beyond January.
Abdoullah Ba
Ba’s lack of first-team opportunities this season marks a significant step back from his more prominent role last term. A move away—whether on loan or permanently—looks increasingly likely, as staying would neither benefit the player nor the club.
Nazariy Rusyn
The Ukrainian forward has struggled to break into the starting XI under Pierre Le Bris, with only brief substitute appearances to his name. Reports suggest a return to Ukraine could be on the cards. If a suitable offer arrives, Sunderland would likely allow him to leave.
Joe Anderson
Initially signed for the first team, Anderson has fallen out of contention and is now a regular for the U21s. At 23, he needs senior football, and Sunderland could look to loan him out or consider a permanent transfer.
Harrison Jones
The U21s captain recently signed a contract extension after making his first-team debut. Sunderland are keen to secure a loan move for Jones, allowing him to gain valuable experience in senior football. Lower league clubs are expected to show strong interest.
Adil Aouchiche
Once on the fringes, Aouchiche has revived his Sunderland career with impressive performances during an injury crisis. While his future remains uncertain, his recent displays have added value to his stock. If Sunderland’s squad returns to full strength, the Frenchman may still find himself surplus to requirements.
Players Likely to Stay
Jobe Bellingham
Sunderland fans will hope the highly-rated teenager remains at the club despite significant interest from Premier League and European sides. Having signed a new contract last summer, the Black Cats are in a strong negotiating position and can fend off bids unless they are overwhelmingly lucrative.
Chris Rigg
Similar to Bellingham, Rigg is another teen sensation attracting top-flight interest. His long-term contract and commitment to the club give Sunderland leverage to keep him, especially during their promotion push. Rigg seems in no hurry to leave Wearside.
Anthony Patterson
The 23-year-old goalkeeper is a target for Premier League clubs, including Wolves, Tottenham, and Manchester United. However, Patterson’s contract runs until 2028, and Sunderland are unlikely to sell their first-choice keeper mid-season without a replacement lined up.
Dan Ballard
Ballard has drawn interest from the Premier League but hasn’t been a consistent starter this season due to injuries. While Sunderland have depth in defence, Ballard’s long-term contract and the fact that Chris Mepham is only on loan mean he’s likely to stay for now.
As January approaches, Sunderland face critical decisions that could shape their promotion bid and long-term ambitions. While some players seem destined for the exit, others remain integral to the club’s plans. With speculation rife, the coming weeks promise to be decisive for the Black Cats.