Sunderland have made some poor signings over the years, but which ones failed to live up to the hype?
6) Emanuele Giaccherini
The Italian arrived from Juventus in a shock move in 2013. He struggled with form and injuries on Wearside but remained a focal point of the Italian national side.
After an excellent Euro 2016 with the Azzurri he joined Napoli in the summer.
5) Connor Wickham
Considered one of England’s top talents when signed from Ipswich Town in 2011. Other than a streak of form in 2014 that helped Sunderland stay in the top-flight he did little to impress at the Stadium of Light.
Currently at Crystal Palace, but nursing a serious knee injury.
Sunderland’s Connor Wickham in action with Leeds United’s Dario Del Fabro (R)
4) Tore Andre Flo
The Norwegian was a guaranteed goal-getter, or at least Sunderland thought. He netted just six goals in 32 games and was gone after just one season.
3) Jeremain Lens
A favourite of former boss Dick Advocaat’s he is now working with the Dutchman again on loan at Fenerbahce.
Claimed he wanted Sunderland relegated to make an exit from the club easier, which has not made him popular with the Black Cats fanbase.
Sunderland’s Jozy Altidore looks dejected after missing a chance to score
2) Jozy Altidore
The American was a resounding flop at Sunderland, scoring just three goals in 52 games.
The one positive, he was swapped for current striking hero Jermain Defoe in 2015.
1) Jack Rodwell
He cost a cool £10 million according to the Guardian when he moved from Manchester City in 2014.
But his injury troubles have clearly hindered his progress and his form has been poor at the Stadium of Light.
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