On this day in 2014, just days after completing one of the most remarkable escapes in Premier League history, Sunderland manager Gus Poyet was already plotting his summer transfer moves. The Black Cats' "Great Escape" from relegation was fueled by inspired loan signings, and two names stood out: Fabio Borini and Marcos Alonso.

Borini's loan from Liverpool had been a revelation. His end-of-season form turned heads across the league, but Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers seemed keen to keep the striker. Borini even featured in a friendly against Shamrock Rovers in Dublin, signaling his likely return to Anfield. The transfer saga looked set to drag on.

Alonso's situation appeared more promising. The Spanish left-back had thoroughly enjoyed his time on Wearside after arriving from Fiorentina, and he wanted to stay. But there was a catch—Fiorentina's asking price was steep, reportedly beyond Sunderland's budget.

Here's where it got interesting. Defender Modibo Diakite had moved the other way on loan, and his agent, Ulisse Savini, hinted at a potential deal: "If it were down to Diakite, he would stay with Fiorentina with his eyes closed. He gets on very well with both the coach and his team-mates." Savini added that Diakite's value depended entirely on how Sunderland rated him—a high price tag for a starter, or a bargain for a surplus player.

In the end, neither deal materialized. Borini stayed at Liverpool, and Alonso returned to Fiorentina before eventually moving on to Chelsea and Barcelona. But for Sunderland fans, that summer of 2014 remains a fascinating "what if" moment in the club's modern history.