20. Kieran Richardson - £5.5m from Man United

What did they say?

“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to bring Kieran to Sunderland. Having worked with him in the past I’m well aware of what a good player and a good lad he is. He’s ready for a fresh challenge and hopefully Sunderland will provide that for him.” - Roy Keane

Games played/Goals scored...

149 games, 15 goals.

What was his resale value?

We don’t really know as his move to Fulham was ‘undisclosed’.

How he rated?

The former Manchester United midfielder stayed at Sunderland for five seasons and performed in every position baring in goal. His effort and quality - including a pretty decent free kick against those up the road - meant he was well liked on Wearside and, in truth, was worth every penny.

Where is he now?

Kieran is currently out of contract and hasn’t had a club since undergoing a trial at West Brom last summer - he has business interests outside of football, and instead focuses on that.

Photo by Owen Humphreys/PA Images via Getty Images

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19. Emanuele Giaccherini - £5.8m from Juventus

What did they say?

“He is an established Italian international, and you can see his quality from the way he plays and beats his opponents – he makes it look easy.” - Paolo Di Canio

Games played/Goals scored...

43 games, 5 goals.

What was his resale value?

The little Italian moved to Napoli for £2m, so we lost almost £3.8m.

How he rated?

He was a huge disappointment on Wearside in truth. He arrived as a big name with big expectations and only showed tiny glimpses of his quality.

Where is he now?

Back in Serie A, Emanuele is currently playing his trade for mid-table outfit Chievo.

Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images

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18. Stephane Sessegnon - £6m from PSG

What did they say?

“Stéphane can play on the left, on the right, through the middle – he’s lightning quick and he’s a match-winner. I think he will be a big hit with the supporters. I predict he will turn into a crowd favourite.” - Steve Bruce

Games played/Goals scored...

97 games, 18 goals.

What was his resale value?

We made our money back at least, as West Brom paid £6m for his services. Owes Victor Anichebe £10k, though.

How he rated?

Sess was a complete enigma, wasn’t he? Utterly unbelievable to watch on his day, absolutely invisible the rest of the time. Definitely played with lead in his boots mind, but overall? More good memories than bad.

Where is he now?

Sess is currently kicking about in the Turkish leagues, performing for Gençlerbirliği.

Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

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17. Kenwyne Jones - £6m from Southampton

What did they say?

“Kenwyne’s a good player and there’s no need to complicate it or over-analyse it. He’s a big, strong, physical presence and showed he’s a handful.” - Roy Keane

Games played/Goals scored:

101 games, 28 goals.

What was his resale value?

We made £2m! Shock! Horror! Kenwyne joined Stoke City for £8m in 2010.

How he rated?

He was tremendous in his opening two seasons, so much so John Terry called him unplayable and Roy Keane valued him at £40m. With Kenwyne, as good as he was, we’ll always feel frustrated he never really reached his huge potential.

Where is he now?

Our Caribbean King is now retired after a stint in the MLS.

Photo by AMA/Corbis via Getty Images

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16. Jozy Altidore - £6m from AZ Alkmaar

What did they say?

“Altidore is one of the top strikers in Europe. He only joined us on Tuesday but I’m very happy, curious and excited because I have a very good attacking side at the moment.” - Paolo Di Canio

Games played/Goals scored...

52 games, 3 goals.

What was his resale value?

We made £0 from home but did get Jermain Defoe! What a deal.

How he rated?

We turned down Romelu Lukaku on loan for this fella. Of course, he couldn’t hit a barn door with a banjo and was as much use as a marzipan dildo. A huge waste of £6m.

Where is he now?

He’s back home in the MLS, where he is currently, bizarrely, scoring absolute worldies on a weekly basis for Toronto FC.

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

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15. Lee Cattermole - £6.3m from Wigan

What did they say?

“He is a terrific footballer. He is young, strong and has a real passion for the game that I’m sure our supporters will love.” - Steve Bruce

Games played/Goals scored...

261 games, 10 goals.

What was his resale value?

We didn’t make a penny and he was released this summer, but we did get a pretty solid decade of use out of him.

How he rated?

If you think I’m going to pretend Lee Barry was anything but a hero then you’re sadly mistaken. If you think he was part of that rotten core, hike your shorts up a little more and watch some of his 2018/19 screamers.

Where is he now?

At home...

Photo by Dave Thompson/PA Images via Getty Images

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14. Anton Ferdinand - £8m from West Ham

What did they say?

“We needed to strengthen our defence and Anton is a great signing. He’ll bring in quality and competition for places, which we need.” - Roy Keane

Games played/Goals scored...

95 games, 0 goals.

What was his resale value?

We didn’t make a penny and he was released to Queens Park Rangers.

How he rated?

Was Anton effected by being “Rio’s little brother”? Certainly not at Sunderland - but he was effected by his inflated price tag. In truth, he filled in well across several positions at the back during his time at the Stadium of Light, but we could have purchased better for the price.

Where is he now?

Now 34-years-old, Ferdinand has just been released by Jack Ross’s former club St. Mirren.

Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

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13. Papy Djilobodji - £8m from Chelsea

What did they say?

“It was important for me and it encouraged me to come here. We did not talk about a starting spot, but he told me he wanted me in his team. That was motivating. It was something that I haven’t heard at Chelsea.” - Papy Djilobodji

Games played/Goals scored...

24 games, 0 goals.

What was his resale value?

Well, we sacked him.

How he rated?

Mentioning his time at Sunderland is akin to nails scrapping down a chalkboard. It makes your skin ripple, it hurts your ears, damages your senses and you don’t know why anybody would do it.

Where is he now?

After another relegation - this time for Guingamp in France’s Ligue 1 - he reappeared in Turkey for Gazişehir Gaziantep.

Photo by Alex Dodd - CameraSport via Getty Images

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12. Fabio Borini - £8m from Liverpool

What did they say?

“Fabio is a great addition to the squad who will make our front line stronger. He can play in a number of attacking positions which is a huge benefit to the team.” - Dick Advocaat

Games played/Goals scored...

50 games, 7 goals.

What was his resale value?

He went to AC Milan for £5.2m, so we lost a cool £2.8m. No biggie, Fabio...

How he rated?

Coffee is the better the second time you try it. Fight Club is a far better watch on second viewing and Fawlty Towers was perfect just as it was and never needed a comeback.

But just like a meddling, aging TV exec who clambers for reruns of Porridge to be shown again this Easter Sunday, Lee Congerton couldn’t let go of the past when it came to Fabio Borini - and it was a bloody bad idea.

Where is he now?

Still at the San Siro with AC Milan where he is well liked but, rather unsurprisingly, not a first team regular.

Photo by Richard Sellers/PA Images via Getty Images

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11. Connor Wickham - £8m from Ipswich Town

What did they say?

“Naturally we are absolutely delighted he has chosen to come to Sunderland.” - Steve Bruce

Games played/Goals scored...

91 games, 15 goals.

What was his resale value?

Ever had a hangover so bad that you’ve woke up and realised you spent £9m on Connor Wickham? Well, Alan Pardew has. Why? That’s a mystery even Scooby Doo can’t solve.

How he rated?

Touted as England’s next wonder-kid at 18, Wickham has never really kicked on for a number of reasons and, despite the odd glimpse of quality, he never really looked like hitting the heady heights he was supposedly destined for. Unbelievably weak on the ball and didn’t do anywhere near enough to earn his price tag.

Where is he now?

After numerous bad knee injuries, England’s next big hope is working his way back to fitness at Crystal Palace.

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images