'We might not sign many, but we haven't lost any' - Gabbiadini

[Getty Images] Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini strongly supports the club's endeavours to "keep hold of their key players" ahead of the 2026-27 season, after Regis le Bris highlighted the need to be "really precise" in the transfer window. Belgium international Thomas Meunier is the only player to arrive on a permanent deal so far, having joined on a free transfer from Lille . "Like most Sunderland fans, I'm checking the BBC Sport website regularly just to make sure I haven't missed anything," Gabbiadini told BBC Radio Newcastle. "We might not sign many, but we haven't lost any of our really key players either. I do think that was a worry at the end of last season because so many of our players had big seasons. "We did have a bit of a near-miss with Granit Xhaka , but he is still at the club. That will probably be one of the biggest deals that wasn't done this summer for us." Black Cats defender Leo Hjelde is one player who could be heading for the Stadium of Light exit doors this summer, though. The 22-year-old is on the brink of joining Belgian Pro League side KV Mechelen, as reported by Sunderland Echo , after being loaned out to Championship side Sheffield United for the second half of last season. "He is a player that hasn't pulled up any trees," Gabbiadini added. "But he has been dependable in the moments we've needed him. "Unfortunately, the Premier League can be a cruel mistress. Once a club gets the success of getting into the top flight, some of the players do fall by the wayside. "But hopefully he goes on and continues to have a strong career elsewhere."