Three players transfer-shy Sunderland need to grab this summer

We’d be right to expect a hectic summer in the transfer market in the North East, but so far, Sam Allardyce has welcomed no new players to the Stadium of Light.

So with just over one month to go until the new season gets underway, we thought we’d do Big Sam a favour and pick three players who can steer the Mackem’s to safety for another year.

Conceding 62 league goals last season, a leaky Sunderland defence is something that Allardyce will want to rectify over the summer and he should look no further than five-time Serie A winner Martin Caceres.

Proving to be something of a lucky charm, Caceres was released by Juventus at the end of last season, after 62 league appearances for the club. He’s also represented Uruguay on 68 occasions in his career.

Caceres has been linked with Napoli and Tottenham Hotspur in recent weeks but with both clubs boasting a wealth of defensive talent, Caceres could be swayed by game time under Allardyce.

If there’s one thing Sunderland are lacking in midfield, it’s a Costa Rican with Premier League experience who has represented his country in the quarter-final of a World Cup. Yes, we’re talking about Joel Campbell.

Drastically falling down the Arsenal pecking order, the 24-year old is no longer a young player with potential.

He’s now ready to take the lead role. Showing glimpses of his capabilities last season at the Emirates, Campbell would be an ideal addition to most top flight sides, not least Sunderland.

Without Jermain Defoe’s 15 Premier League goals last campaign, it’s safe to say Sunderland would be in the Championship right now.

Step forward, Robin van Persie.

The Dutch forward has been linked with just about everyone this summer, but if there’s one team who needs the proven Premier League goalscorer most – it’s Sunderland.

There you go Sam, just thank us at the end of next season.

Sunderland kick-off their campaign away at Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, and are 14/1 to leave the Etihad with three points.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.