It is no more a question of surviving the relegation for Sunderland now if they are willing to hold on to their star players next season. With the financial crisis that the club are in, there are bound to be some high-profile departures from the Stadium of Light at the end of the season.
Here are 3 players, who are most likely candidates to leave Wearside coming summer.
Lamine Koné- The centre-back has been a quintessential figure for Sunderland for the past two seasons since he was brought in from French side FC Lorient in the winter of 2016. He was bought by Sam Allardyce with the sole task of helping the Black Cats survive relegation.
It has been one full year since then and his task remains the same this season too. Although the Ivory Coast international hasn’t been in his best of form this season so far, his talent has attracted numerous English top flight clubs with Everton being a hot favourite. Even if Sunderland manage to survive the relegation this season, it will be difficult for David Moyes to keep hold of his best defender next season.
Koné has been a regular starter for Sunderland with 21 appearances. With Patrick van Aanholt already leaving last month to Crystal Palace, he might soon follow his footsteps.
Jordan Pickford- There is a real dearth of goalkeeping talents in English Premier League and none would let such a glorious chance of letting a young talent slip through their hands without trying. The 24-year-old has shown some real maturity and grit after being thrown into the muddle after first-choice Vito Mannone’s injury early in the season.
The young shot-stopper has been brilliant for Moyes under the bar. Although a shaky and injury crippled defence has helped him very little, to be honest, the English goalie’s early signs are encouraging. If Sunderland are going down this time, Pickford will be a hot prospect this summer.
Jermain Defoe- A relegation at the end of the season will surely see this man leaving the Stadium of Light. The 34-year-old has been the only player who is pulling the club courtesy of his goals. The former England international has scored 14 goals so far, with an underperforming midfield behind him.
He will be a terrific asset in a better performing side and many mid-table clubs who will survive the relegation this season by the skin of their teeth will be flocking to land him. One will choose the Premier League, every single time.
