•  Jewison Bennette may need a loan move to get more game-time and develop his potential as a young player.
•  The future of Alex Pritchard is uncertain due to his age and Sunderland’s desire to lower the average age of the squad.
•  Ellis Taylor could benefit from a loan move to an EFL club to prove himself after limited opportunities in the first-team.

Michael Beale, who was named Sunderland’s new manager last week to

replace Tony Mowbray, may have some choices to make in January along with the transfer team.

Several players may need to leave the team in order for the transfer team to be

able to strengthen Beale’s hand for the second half of the season.

Let’s examine the three players who are most likely to leave the Stadium of Light in January 2024.

Jewison Bennette

Little was known about the adolescent winger Bennette when he came at the

Stadium of Light in the summer of 2022, but the fact that he was already a full

Costa Rican international was encouraging.

There was always going to be a slow process for Bennette to blood into the first-team though, and last season under Tony Mowbray the Central American wasn’t given too much, too soon, although he did score his first Black Cats goal in just his second appearance in the Championship.

Bennette only played 18 times in all competitions last season though, and in the current campaign he has barely been in the matchday squad for the Wearsiders, let alone been utilised.

It has already been revealed that a loan move is being considered for Bennette to get him more game-time – whether that is

in the UK or abroad – but it is quite clearly something that is needed for a

player that has seemingly stalled at the age of just 19.

Alex Pritchard

Although Pritchard has made a noticeable impact this season when he

has been employed, there are concerns over the offensive midfielder’s future.

The only player older than the 30-year-old on the Sunderland squad is the injured Corry Evans, who replaced

Danny Batth in the summer. He is one of the team’s more seasoned players.

There has been a clear desire to bring down the average age of Sunderland’s squad from their transfer team, and with a contract that expires in the summer of 2024, you would have to say that Pritchard is one of the likeliest potential departures from Beale’s squad.

Beale may want to keep someone of his experience and creativity, but it will not be up to him as he is merely the head coach – Pritchard has showed this season though in the first half of the campaign he still has plenty to offer.

Ellis Taylor

With Chris Rigg being the most prominent graduate in the recent several years to break through and have an instant effect in the first squad, Sunderland has a respectable academy system.

Taylor, a 20-year-old who may now require a loan transfer to an EFL team to

show himself after a stint at Hartlepool last season did not amount to anything, is

one player who has not had the same luck.

Taylor has participated in the EFL Cup against Crewe despite being included in many Sunderland matchday squads this

season. He has, however, mostly played for the under-21 team, where he has

demonstrated his versatility as a winger and a full-back on both sides.

However, it would probably be advantageous for all sides if Sunderland could arrange a fourth-tier loan for Taylor.