Sunderland should consider selling Elliot Embleton and two other players in 2024.
Thus far, Sunderland has performed admirably in keeping all of their key players.
Ross Stewart was the first to depart in the summer, but given his prolonged absence and impending contract expiration, it looks like a fair trade in the end.
Jack Clarke was able to stay with the Black Cats for the time being, but this year saw the signing of new contracts for Patrick Roberts, Anthony Patterson, Trai Hume, Dennis Cirkin, Dan Ballard, Luke O’Nien, and Dan Neil.
Sunderland appears to be in a strong position to retain onto some of their best players, even though the January transfer window has not yet arrived and there may be “vultures circling.”
The Black Cats may choose to let go of certain players in 2024, but there are not many who have truly let them down recently on Wearside.
Elliot Embleton
Elliot Embleton was an important cog in Alex Neil’s promotion-winning squad last year, scoring five goals and grabbing on assist in the final two and a half months of the season.
The midfielder went onto tear his ankle ligaments on Boxing Day 2022 and spent the next nine months on the sidelines.
When Embleton went on loan to Derby County, it appeared as though he had found a lifeline. However, he was sidelined for just one game before rupturing a thigh muscle, and he now faces yet another extended period of time off the field.
Given that the 24-year-old’s contract is slated to end in 2025, it would make sense to sell him for a profit the following summer. It is possible that this was his final game for Sunderland.
Bradley Dack
That January sale of Bradley Dack was probably wishful thinking.
The midfield player’s contract is slated to expire at the end of the current campaign, and he only joined Sunderland in the summer, but it already feels like a total waste of his spot in the squad.
In terms of ranking, Dack is (or should be) below Jobe Bellingham, Alex Pritchard, and Adil Aouchiche. It would also be surprising if he gains a significant amount of playing time behind Michael Beale.
Dack reportedly earns £15,000 a week, making him our second highest earner. Next month, we could at least see if someone is stupid enough to buy him.
Abdoullah Ba
Abdoullah Ba was a tough one to call, but there really aren’t many players we should actually be selling in 2024, and he is arguably one of the worst of a very good bunch.
The Frenchman looked very promising last season, but this term we just don’t really seem to know where his best position is and I’m yet to discover what his strengths actually are.
Ba lacks a real end result, is unable of taking a man on, and makes horrible decisions. He was removed from the team for an extended period of time due to his two “awful” performances under Mike Dodds.
I would give him till the summer, but even then, I doubt he will ever be competent enough, particularly if we are successful in being promoted.
