Sunderland are preparing for one of the most exciting seasons in the club's history, but European football could complicate their domestic campaign. So far, only 34-year-old Thomas Meunier has joined as a free agent, and fans are growing anxious about a lack of reinforcements in key areas.
Europa League fears
The Black Cats secured a seventh-place Premier League finish in 2025/26 after a remarkable season under Regis Le Bris, earning Europa League football for only the second time in the club's history. However, the extra fixture load raises injury risks, especially after last season's absences due to AFCON and injuries to vital players. Without proper rotation, both domestic and European hopes could be jeopardised, meaning Sunderland must invest heavily while adhering to UEFA's financial rules.
Four new signings needed
Several positions lack depth. At left-back, Reinildo Mandava is the only established option after Dennis Cirkin's exit, and at 32, he cannot play every game. Fenerbahce's Archie Brown has been linked but talks have stalled. In central midfield, Granit Xhaka, 33, looked tired last season and needs support; Yassine Titraoui of Sporting Charleroi is a target but has attracted interest from Hull City, Crystal Palace, Olympiakos and Lyon. On the wing, Simon Adingra may leave after a loan at Monaco, and while Jocelin Ta Bi and Nilson Angulo arrived in January, they are not yet first-team regulars. Matias Soule from Roma is a creative option, though his £29m price tag is steep. Up front, Brian Brobbey needs a supporting striker after Eliezer Mayenda's £21.5m move to Rennes, leaving Wilson Isidor as the only other forward.
Regis Le Bris' non-negotiables
Retaining the core is crucial. The board has already rejected Chelsea's interest in Xhaka, and a similar stance is needed for other key players. Robin Roefs must remain first-choice goalkeeper despite Chelsea and Liverpool interest; Melker Ellborg should also stay. Dan Ballard, Trai Hume and Chris Rigg, all from the Championship days, are vital. Noah Sadiki, Enzo Le Fee, and Brobbey must be kept, while Luke O'Nien's leadership is indispensable.
