Sunderland have arrived in Spain for a week-long pre-season training camp – with three recognised forwards in their squad.
Eliezer Mayenda, Hemir and Nazariy Rusyn all signed long-term contracts on Wearside last summer and all have at least three years left on their current deals. Still, the Black Cats are trying to sign at least one more striker this summer, following attempts to make another forward addition in January.
Of the three aforementioned players, only Rusyn managed to score for Sunderland’s first team during the 2023/24 season, with two goals in 21 Championship appearances against Preston and Middlesbrough. He also appears to be at the front of the pecking order when it comes to Regis Le Bris’ striker options, given he has more senior appearances under his belt aged 25. Rusyn has admitted he initially struggled to adapt after moving to England from Ukraine last summer, yet it’s hoped he’ll be better prepared a year later, with a full pre-season under his belt.
Rusyn’s position at Sunderland will also be interesting, after he predominantly played as a wide forward during his final season Zorya Lugansk. For Sunderland, including for the Black Cats’ pre-season friendly at Gateshead this month, the 25-year-old has been deployed in a central role, a position he appeared to be adjusting to during the last campaign.
