And so the transfer window has closed, and Phil Parkinson knows the Sunderland squad he will have to work with until the end of the season.
The Black Cats brought in five players over the course of the January window, as Parkinson set out to assemble a squad ready to challenge for promotion back to the Championship.
Kyle Lafferty, Bailey Wright and Josh Scowen were all on board well before deadline day, when deals for Swansea left-back Declan John and Bristol City forward Antoine Semenyo were confirmed.
It leaves Parkinson with a strong squad and healthy competition for places in each area of the pitch.
But what's Sunderland's best side now, and where do the new boys fit in?
We've collated the full Sunderland squad - without injuries - above. All you have to do is pick your strongest XI.
Who leads the line, who makes way for the new boys, and what formation should they use?
Compare your strongest XI with the most popular side - and don't forget to share it with us on twitter at @ChronicleSAFC.
