Sunderland are finally back in the Premier League after a long and painful absence, and they are returning with ambition and intent. Their dramatic promotion, sealed at Wembley in a thrilling win over Sheffield United, ended an eight-year top-flight exile that even included a humbling four-year spell in League One. The man responsible for leading them back is Regis Le Bris, who has succeeded where others have narrowly failed. Now, the focus at the Stadium of Light shifts to survival—and thriving—in the Premier League, and the club has already begun assembling a squad capable of doing just that.
Significant investment has already been made. Sunderland shelled out a combined £50 million for Enzo Le Fee and club-record signing Habib Diarra to reinforce the midfield. They’ve also secured versatile Belgian Noah Sadiki for £17.75 million, and look set to complete a £20 million deal for Club Brugge’s Chemsedine Talbi. With more additions expected, the Black Cats are piecing together what could be a dream squad.
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Starting in goal, Sunderland are eyeing a major upgrade. Although Anthony Patterson was reliable in the Championship, keeping 14 clean sheets, he may become second choice if the club lands Chelsea’s Djordje Petrovic for around £21.5 million. The Serbian international impressed on loan at Strasbourg and has Premier League experience, making him a strong contender to be the new number one. Veteran Simon Moore remains a backup option, bringing stability and experience.
Defensively, Sunderland look ready to blend the old guard with new reinforcements. Trai Hume is expected to retain the right-back spot after a stellar campaign, while Daniel Ballard’s strong performances and crucial goals give him a good chance of starting at centre-back. However, competition is on the way. Sunderland are eyeing Charlie Cresswell from Toulouse for around £18 million and Lyon’s Duje Caleta-Car for £8.5 million. Both bring experience and depth to challenge Luke O’Nien and Ballard. At left-back, Dennis Cirkin remains the first-choice option, but he will be pushed by incoming duo Reinildo (a free agent with Champions League pedigree) and Chelsea loanee Ishe Samuels-Smith, a highly rated teenager.
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In midfield, Dan Neil is likely to retain a significant role. The academy graduate contributed two goals and three assists during the promotion campaign and understands the passion at Wearside. He may be joined by Matteo Guendouzi, who is reportedly a £43 million target. The former Arsenal midfielder enjoyed a solid season with Lazio and would bring top-level experience and tenacity to the middle of the park. Add to that Habib Diarra, whose creativity and dynamism lit up Ligue 1, and Noah Sadiki, a versatile option who can also play in defence, and Sunderland have built a potentially elite midfield core.
Up front, Sunderland are building an attacking unit capable of troubling Premier League defences. Patrick Roberts remains a valuable asset on the right, with nine goals and 18 assists across his Sunderland career. He’ll compete with the exciting Chemsedine Talbi, who notched 12 goal contributions for Brugge, and Eliezer Mayenda, who offers depth and flexibility. The number ten role seems tailor-made for teenage sensation Chris Rigg. Despite being just 18, he has already played over 70 games for Sunderland, scoring seven goals. Adil Aouchiche provides cover but Rigg appears to be the standout in that position.
On the left wing, Le Fee can shift wide if needed, while Romaine Mundle, formerly of Tottenham, adds flair and creativity. Injuries limited his impact last season, but his five goals from 25 games showed promise. Up top, Sunderland could soon have a marquee striker. Georges Mikautadze of Lyon, valued at £21 million, is being targeted to lead the line. With a prolific recent campaign behind him and glowing endorsements from top scouts, he could be the final piece of Sunderland’s attacking puzzle.
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If all goes according to plan, Sunderland’s dream squad could see them not just survive, but make a real statement in the Premier League. The £112 million spent across seven key signings signals clear ambition—and a belief that the Black Cats are back to stay.
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