Sunderland currently have two of their first-team players heading for the Stadium of Light exit this summer.
Sunderland manager David Moyes
With the January window now a distant memory and the summer starting to emerge on the horizon, HITC Sport has compiled a list of the 50 best players who are set to become free agents at the end of the season. And in this piece, we take a closer look at the Sunderland pair who have made it onto the list.
Sebastian Larsson has played just 12 times in the Premier League this season, but is yet to register a goal or assist for David Moyes’ men in that time.
His versatility has made him an important player for the Black Cats in the six years he has been at the Stadium of Light, but he has – like so many of Moyes’ squad this term – struggled for consistency in recent months.
Sunderland’s Sebastian Larsson
At 31, this summer is arguably a crucial one as his best years will soon be behind him so he may perhaps be looking for one final run in the Premier League, whether that be by helping Sunderland to stay up or with another side.
Meanwhile, Jan Kirchhoff has featured even less regularly than Larsson, but it is difficult to imagine that a top flight team will not be willing to take a gamble on him should he leave Sunderland this summer.
Sunderland’s Jan Kirchhoff in action with Everton’s Ross Barkley
The German was one of the catalysts for the club’s incredible great escape last season, and if he can stay fit – he has made just seven league appearances this term – then he would surely have plenty to offer either in midfield or in his secondary position of centre-back.
But his issues with fitness this term certainly suggest that it would be something of a gamble to pursue his signature, though his contract situation would take much of the risk out of a deal.
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