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Sunderland need 'three or four' new signings as Granit Xhaka claim made Sunderland have completed just one new signing during the summer transfer window. Sunderland should look to complete ‘three or four’ new signings before the end of the summer transfer window as they prepare to compete in the Europa League this season. That was the verdict of former Black Cats star Darren Williams as he assessed what could play out during the final three weeks of what has been a surprisingly quiet transfer window for his old club. Despite links with potential signings at home and abroad since the end of last season, Belgium international Thomas Meunier is the only new addition to Regis Le Bris’ ranks after he penned a two-year deal at the Stadium of Light last month. There have been outgoings with Eliezer Mayenda completing a move to French club Lille and the likes of Dennis Cirkin, Arthur Masuaku, Timothee Pembele and Harrison Jones all departing since the end of last season. Goalkeeper Anthony Patterson has left in an £8m switch to Wrexham after undergoing a medical with the Championship club on Monday and defender Leo Hjelde is expected to seal a move to Belgian side Mechelen over the coming days. The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel. Last season’s seventh place finish in the Premier League means Sunderland will have at least an additional eight games in their fixture schedule as they compete alongside the likes of Juventus and AC Milan in the Europa League - and Williams has insisted his old club must move in the transfer market over the next three weeks to ensure they are able to maintain the fitness of key players throughout a hectic campaign. He told BBC Newcastle’s Total Sport: "You have to be careful with your certain players who have influence. Like Granit Xhaka, he has a massive influence over the side. When he was out we came off the gas a bit, you have to look after him. He will want to play Europa League football and has vast experience. We do need to strengthen the squad as well, because we are going to go through injury phases. It is important we do bring, I would say, three or four in."