Goals from Ross Stewart and Will Grigg were enough to defeat the Tigers 2-1 on the Stadium of Light, an impressive result given Grant McCann’s side will play in the Championship this season.
Speculation continues to swirl around who the Black Cats will bring in before the deadline after midfielder’s Dan Neil and Carl Winchester started at left-back and right-back against Hull City on Friday evening.
There was some, however, some breaking news during the game.
Indeed, the 18-year-old was understood to be at the Stadium of Light as Sunderland played their final pre-season friendly against Hull City.
A deal is not thought to be imminent, with a number of clubs interested in the talented Canadian forward
“We need strength in depth and we know that,” assistant head coach Jamie McAllister said in Lee Johnson’s absence following the win.
“But from the coaching side of things, we can only focus on the lads that are here and getting them ready for the games coming up.
“They've acquitted themselves really well in what has been a tough pre-season, the news lads have adapted to our new style of play.
“The big plus for us is the way the youngsters have gone through pre-season, a lot of them who have to play out position at times.”
1. Sheffieled Wednesday eye ex-Accrington Stanley man
Sheffield Wednesday are trying to sign Tariq Uwakwe. The deal could be get sorted by the end of the week. They have made a formal approach. A permanent move is likely but a loan with a view to buy is also a possibility. (Various0 Photo: Alex Pantling
2. Wellens talks transfers
Richie Wellens admits he will likely be unable to put the preferred pieces of his Doncaster Rovers squad together during this transfer window. “We’ve not got the finances to bring in someone like a [Sheffield United’s] Sander Berge - a player who is 6ft3, who can run, that can tackle and handle the ball,” he told the Free Press. (Doncaster Free Press) Photo: Lewis Storey
3. DONE DEAL
Crewe Alexandra have made their fifth summer signing by bringing in ex-Sunderland left-back Callum McFadzean. The 27-year-old former Cats, Sheffield United, Kilmarnock, Bury and Plymouth Argyle defender has signed a one-year deal with the League One club. (Sunderland Echo) Photo: Stu Forster
4. Cowley confident
Danny Cowley is confident the door is still open for Pompey to load their squad with young Premier League talent. Cowley is carrying out a complete rebuild of the Pompey squad with 16 players departing - and eight new faces through the door so far. (Portsmouth News) Photo: Warren Little