Sunderland have been extremely busy in the summer transfer window as they’re building a squad to give them the best chance to avoid relegation.

Promoted teams have struggled in recent seasons to deal with the demands of the Premier League and the Black Cats will be hoping that’s not the case with them.

They have signed nine first-team players and more new faces could still arrive through the door at the Stadium of Light.

Newcastle turn down Bobby Clark transfer

RB Salzburg midfielder Bobby Clark completed his loan move to Derby County on Wednesday and will spend the 2025/26 campaign there.

According to the Chronicle (6 August), Sunderland were said to be keen on the 20-year-old, but he turned down the move due to the lack of regular game time.

He did the same with Leeds United as he believed that he would get more minutes at the Championship club.

It’s understood that the only side he would be willing to accept the role of a squad player would’ve been Newcastle.

However, despite being offered a chance to sign him, the St. James’ Park outfit opted against it and let him join Derby.

• Read more: Sunderland may be on course for their 10th summer signing

Sunderland unlikely to sign another midfielder this summer

Sunderland’s aggressive summer transfer window has seen them secure midfielders Habib Diarra, Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki and Enzo Le Fee, significantly bolstering their midfield depth and quality.

This quartet, blending youth and experience, addresses the gap left by Jobe Bellingham’s departure, making further midfield signings unnecessary.

They’re not likely to lose any sleep over not being able to sign Clark.

With a robust midfield now in place, Sunderland’s focus will likely shift to strengthening their defence, particularly with a Premier League-calibre centre-back, to address concerns about their backline resilience.

Additionally, they may pursue another attacker after signing Marc Guiu on loan from Chelsea to enhance their offensive options for the 2025/26 season.