Khazri first joined the Black Cats when they were a Premier League side back in January 2016. Now the club are preparing for life in League One, following two successive relegations, and new boss Jack Ross was never going to realistically be able to keep hold of the Tunisian international.
The sale of Khazri, in financial terms, is likely to be the most substantial of the summer for Sunderland. Now the club have the opportunity to invest those funds wisely.
Ross will be eager to build a squad capable of making an immediate return to the Championship, and will need to use this money well to ensure that that happens.
Tommy Elphick has been out of favour at Villa Park for a long time now, and has been linked with a move to the Stadium of Light in the past.
This summer, Jack Ross would be smart to revisit that deal, and make sure it gets done this time.
Whilst Elphick is a misfit amongst the Villans, at 30-years-old he still has a good couple of years left in him, and he remains more than capable of shining at League One level.
Leaving Villa behind would be the best thing for Elphick now, and a move to Sunderland would put him back in the frame for first team football again.
The former England international, Stewart Downing, is entering the final year of his current contract with Boro, who may decide now is the time to sell the 33-year-old for what they can.
Downing saw his game time restricted in the Championship last season, but on a short term deal he could still bring a wealth of experience and quality to Sunderland’s left flank in League One.
With Khazri gone, Ross’ side will be missing creativity down that wing, as well as lacking a dead ball specialist. That void could be adequately filled by Downing, for now at least.
