Kieffer Moore in: Sunderland AFC's dream XI for next season ft 3 realistic signings | OneFootball

Sunderland need to get themselves back on track following a disappointing 2023/24 campaign.

The Black Cats can't be too despondent considering they were only promoted back to the Championship in 2022.

However, they were unable to build on an excellent 2022/23 campaign and will need to secure some decent signings this summer to give themselves a real chance of competing at the top end of the table.

Ahead of next season, we have selected a dream 2024/25 starting lineup that the Wearside club's fanbase could be excited about.

GK: Anthony Patterson

Patterson is a player who has been linked with Premier League clubs before, including Arsenal and Liverpool.

This doesn't come as a surprise, considering he's a young shot-stopper who has already proved himself in the second tier and has plenty of potential.

He has been a safe pair of hands between the sticks during the past couple of seasons and played a part in the Black Cats' promotion two years ago.

LB: Dennis Cirkin

The Black Cats have struggled majorly in this area in recent years, with the likes of Cirkin, Niall Huggins and Aji Alese all sustaining numerous injuries.

Leo Hjelde is another option in this department, but he hasn't exactly shone since his move from Leeds United and Cirkin, who scored five league goals during the 2022/23 season, could be a better option going forward.

Cirkin, however, will need to stay fit if he's to be a good option for his current side.

CB: Dan Ballard

Ballard has been linked with other teams in the past, which just reinforces how good he has been during his time at the Stadium of Light.

He could potentially attract more interest this summer, but if the Black Cats can keep hold of him, he could be key in helping the club to improve their defensive record.

The ex-Arsenal man may benefit from having a new centre-back alongside him though, despite Luke O'Nien's versatility and obvious commitment.

CB: Harry Souttar (loan)

With Enzo Maresca leaving Leicester City, Souttar may be hopeful of getting another opportunity to shine at the King Power Stadium.

However, there are no guarantees that he will be included in the Foxes' plans next term, especially with his previous lack of game time and the club's promotion in mind.

But Leicester may not want to let him go permanently just yet, which could open up an opportunity for the Wearside club to tie up a loan deal for the Australia international, who is an impressive player and has plenty of experience at this level.

RB: Trai Hume

Northern Ireland international Hume was impressive during the 2023/24 campaign and it's no surprise that he has attracted interest from other clubs, including Aston Villa and Bournemouth.

Although it's clear that he could improve his attacking record next term, having registered just one goal and one assist in the league last season, the right-back is someone worth starting throughout the 2024/25 campaign if he can continue impressing.

At 22, he should only get better.

CDM: Dan Neil

Neil has been an important figure for the Black Cats for a while now and is another first-teamer who has a very high ceiling.

His presence helps to provide solidity in the middle of the park and it would be a surprise if he isn't a key player again next season.

CDM: Pierre Ekwah

Neil and Ekwah have worked very well together in the past and although the latter didn't always perform well last season, he is another player who has plenty of potential.

Previously attracting Premier League interest, it will be interesting to see whether he's linked with a move away again this summer.

LW: Jack Clarke

Clarke is the club's most important player at the moment, but he only has two years left on his contract now and he is likely to attract plenty of interest this summer.

Proving to be an excellent permanent addition following his loan spell during the second half of the 2021/22 season, it's no surprise that Brentford and Southampton have already taken an interest in him in recent weeks.

It will take a huge effort to keep him - but it's not guaranteed that he will leave in the coming months.

CAM: Jobe Bellingham

Scoring seven league goals during his first full season at the SoL, the 18-year-old has done a very good job and he will only improve considering how young he is.

Although he didn't always shine last term, the England youth international is only in the early stages of his career and he would have richly benefitted from the experience he managed to get under his belt with regular starts in the past year.

If he can continue to improve, it will only be a matter of time before he's the club's best player, but they may have a tough job on their hands in their quest to keep hold of him.

RW: Jesurun Rak-Sakyi (Loan)

Rak-Sakyi was retained by Crystal Palace for the 2023/24 campaign, but spent much of the season on the sidelines, something that will disappoint the winger considering how well he did at Charlton Athletic during the season before that.

Scoring 15 league goals for the Addicks in League One, he has the potential to make the step up to the second tier and be a real threat there.

Patrick Roberts can be an asset when in form, but he needs competition and the Palace man could be an ideal loan signing.

After such a frustrating 2023/24 season, the wide player won't be short of motivation to do well next term and he could head to a side he has previously been linked with.

ST: Kieffer Moore

Moore, another player who has been linked with a move to the Black Cats in the past, is a much-needed figure on Wearside.

It would be difficult to see Mason Burstow returning and it would also be a surprise to see Luis Hemir or Eliezer Mayenda start regularly next season.

Nazariy Rusyn could be an important player, but the striker department needs strengthening and Wales international Moore could be a great addition.