adminSunderland Are Back in the Premier League—and Ready to Make Their Mark
After a long eight-year absence, including a four-season spell in League One, Sunderland are finally back in the Premier League. Their return was sealed in dramatic fashion with a thrilling promotion victory over Sheffield United at Wembley in late May—a result that has brought Wearside roaring back into football’s top-tier conversation.
Regis Le Bris is the man responsible for ending the Black Cats’ promotion hoodoo, following several painful near-misses in recent years. Now, the task at hand for Le Bris and Sunderland’s hierarchy is to build a squad capable of not just surviving, but competing at the highest level.
Big Spending for Big Ambitions
The club isn’t wasting any time in backing their manager. Sunderland have already splashed around £117.25m on new arrivals, with standout signings including Enzo Le Fée (permanently), £30m midfielder Habib Diarra, and £17.75m Union SG star Noah Sadiki. A £20m deal for Club Brugge winger Chemsdine Talbi is also all but confirmed.
But Le Bris and the board aren’t done yet. With more reinforcements expected before the summer window closes, here’s a look at what Sunderland’s dream squad could look like if everything falls into place.
Goalkeepers
New No.1 Incoming?
Anthony Patterson played a key role in promotion, notching 14 clean sheets, but he could face serious competition. Sunderland are reportedly in advanced talks to sign Chelsea’s backup keeper Djordje Petrovic for around £21.5m. The Serbian has top-flight experience—seven clean sheets in 31 Premier League games for Chelsea—and impressed at Strasbourg last season with 10 clean sheets.
Backup options would include Patterson and experienced veteran Simon Moore, who has three clean sheets in limited appearances.
Goalkeepers:
Djordje Petrovic
Anthony Patterson
Simon Moore
Defenders
Four New Faces Join the Back Line
Petrovic may be joined by four defensive additions as Sunderland revamp their backline.
Right-Back:
Trai Hume remains the standout option after contributing nine goal involvements last season. He’ll be supported by Timothee Pembele and Niall Huggins.
Centre-Backs:
Daniel Ballard will look to cement his place, while two major signings—Charlie Cresswell (£18m from Toulouse) and Duje Ćaleta-Car (£8.5m from Lyon)—would bolster competition. Cresswell is fresh off a solid Ligue 1 season, while Ćaleta-Car boasts a 91% pass accuracy in France’s top division.
Left-Backs:
Dennis Cirkin is likely to keep his starting role after an 11-clean-sheet campaign, but the additions of Reinildo (free transfer) and Ishe Samuels-Smith (loan from Chelsea) will bring depth and top-level experience.
Right-Backs:
Trai Hume
Timothee Pembele
Niall Huggins
Centre-Backs:
Daniel Ballard
Charlie Cresswell
Luke O’Nien
Duje Ćaleta-Car
Left-Backs:
Dennis Cirkin
Reinildo
Ishe Samuels-Smith
Midfielders
Guendouzi Headlines a £73m Midfield Overhaul
Despite the influx of new names, academy graduate Dan Neil will be determined to keep his place after a solid season with two goals and three assists.
A £43m move for former Arsenal and current Lazio man Matteo Guendouzi is reportedly close, and his 57-game Premier League experience would be invaluable. Habib Diarra, a £30m capture from Strasbourg, adds further flair and creativity, having posted four goals and five assists last term.
Noah Sadiki, signed for £17.75m, brings versatility, having played in both midfield and full-back roles.
Midfielders:
Dan Neil
Matteo Guendouzi
Habib Diarra
Noah Saudi
Forwards
Mikautadze the Final Piece?
Patrick Roberts and Eliezer Mayenda offer options on the right, though new arrival Chemsdine Talbi looks set to start after registering 12 goals + assists last season.
At No.10, 18-year-old Chris Rigg is poised for a breakout Premier League campaign, already racking up 72 appearances. Adil Aouchiche offers competition but Rigg appears to be Le Bris’ first choice.
The left side looks solid with Enzo Le Fée and Romaine Mundle—the former providing clutch assists in the playoffs, while Mundle added five goals last term despite injuries.
Up top, Wilson Isidor bagged 13 goals last season, but Sunderland are eyeing Lyon’s Georges Mikautadze, valued at £21m, after his 17-goal haul. Described by Jacek Kulig as a “living legend”, the Georgian striker could be a game-changer.
Left-Wingers:
Enzo Le Fée
Romaine Mundle
Right-Wingers:
Chemsdine Talbi
Patrick Roberts
Eliezer Mayenda
Attacking Midfielders:
Chris Rigg
Adil Aouchiche
Strikers:
Wilson Isidor
Georges Mikautadze (Target)
In Summary:
Sunderland are showing serious ambition on their Premier League return, potentially spending over £150m on a blend of youth, top-flight experience, and international pedigree. With Le Bris at the helm and a revamped squad taking shape, the Black Cats look more than ready to make the
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