Dream XI Sunderland can build

After qualifying for the Europa League, Sunderland need to use next summer's transfer window to add more depth and quality to their squad.

The Black Cats will have at least eight more games to contend with and coach Regis Le Bris has admitted he would like to sign four players to strengthen his midfield options.

Those four signings should be quality additions that raise the roof for Sunderland and allow them to compete in the Europa League and Premier League.

He has a goalkeeper and defense

The Black Cats do not need a new goalkeeper as one of the four players they signed because Robin Roefs enjoyed his first season in English football, scoring ten points in 35 league games.

There could be a new arrival at right-back, as the club have been linked with an interest in West Ham United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is available for up to £20m.

Signing the DR Congo international would allow Nordi Mukiele to play more games at full-back and add more quality and depth to the Le Bris defence, taking advantage of West Ham's move to sign him.

There doesn't appear to be an immediate need to add another front line back four, but adding more depth through a free agent or loan could be something they will explore in the coming weeks and months.

In the middle

Sunderland already have an incredibly strong midfield core with Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki, both of whom have started at least 32 times in the Premier League, but they could add another option in the middle of the park.

The Black Cats have recently been linked with an interest in a deal to sign Celtic's £25m midfielder Arne Engels, who can play as an eight or as a number ten, suiting Le Bris' flexible tactics.

Since joining the Scottish giants in 2024, the Belgian has scored 17 goals and provided 21 assists in 98 games, showing his quality as a goalscorer and creator.

Engels played in the Europa League for Celtic this season and provided impressive skill, with seven 'big chances' created in eight games in the competition.

Xhaka and Sadiki have produced seven assists between them in the Premier League this term, and the Belgian could walk through the door at the Stadium of Light to provide more as a creator for Le Bris.

An attack

In this attack, Sunderland could be on the lookout for a new right-back after using right-back Trai Hume as a starter on the right wing 10 times this season.

They have been linked with interest in Leicester City striker Abdul Fatawu, who is available for £20m after their relegation from League One, and would be an excellent addition to the squad.

The Ghanaian created 40 'big chances' and scored 15 goals in two seasons in the Championship with the Foxes, and could pose a major threat at the Black Cats' end of the pitch, cutting in with his left foot on the right wing.

Le Bris could target a new striker to compete with Brian Brobbey, as the club have been linked with Juventus number nine Jonathan David.

It has been reported that the Canadian player could be available for just £22m, which would be a lot of money for a player with his record goalscoring record in Europe.

Before his season in Turin, David scored 19 or more goals in four consecutive seasons for Lille in France, showing that he has the potential to improve on Brobbey, who has scored seven goals in the Premier League this season.

The Canadian star's ability to score regularly would be a huge asset to the team, especially in Europe, and that could mean he replaces the Dutchman as number nine on Weaside.

With Premier League and Europa League football around the corner, there will be plenty of turnover and there may not be a preferred starting XI for many weeks, but these four signings, who cost a combined £87m, could all fit into the same lineup.

It is now up to the board, however, to go out of the market to get the deals of these players to give Le Bris the assurances he has requested.