Football Season Guide

Premier League
England
Premier League
2026/2027
Sunderland
Clean filter

Sunderland

In


Dayann Methalie (def) Toulouse; Thomas Meunier (def) free; Simon Adingra (att) Monaco – end of loan;

Out


Eliezer Mayenda (sp) (att) Stade Rennais; Anthony Patterson (gk) Wrexham; Arthur Masuaku (def) released; Dan Neil (sp) (def) released; Bertrand Traoré (sp) (att) released; Dennis Cirkin (sp) (def) released; Lutsharel Geertruida (sp) (def) Leipzig – end of loan;

A historic 2025/26 season ended with newly-promoted Sunderland securing European qualification for the first time in over five decades, largely thanks to their home form after turning the Stadium of Light into a fortress with nine wins and only four losses in 19 games. After spending big to bring in numerous new players last summer, Sunderland have remained quiet in the off-season this summer. Experienced right-back Thomas Meunier has joined on a free, but he is the sole arrival to date. Meanwhile, they have offloaded several backup players but kept intact the backbone of the team that looked solid for the majority of last term. Yet, reinforcements are clearly needed ahead of a campaign that will bring the added demands of Europa League football. Spearheaded by Granit Xhaka and featuring Diarra, Le Fée and Sadiki, Sunderland’s midfield looks like their strongest department again this season combining experience, energy and talent. Yet, Sunderland scored just 42 league goals last season, the fourth-lowest tally in the division, highlighting the need for improvement in attack. Coach Le Bris still has choices to make, especially on the right side and behind first-choice striker Brian Brobbey.

Target


In a season that will see Sunderland competing on multiple fronts, they must avoid the pitfalls that have derailed other teams in the past. Their aim should be a top-half finish as they look to establish themselves in the top flight.