AliousWhere Are They Now? The Last Sunderland XI to Start a Premier League Home Game Before the West Ham Opener
Excitement is building on Wearside as Sunderland prepares to welcome Premier League football back to the Stadium of Light for the first time since 2017. With just 47 days remaining until they face West Ham United in the 2025/26 season opener, anticipation is surging among fans following the club’s dramatic Championship play-off final victory over Sheffield United.
Under head coach Régis Le Bris, optimism is soaring. The Black Cats have already made significant moves in the transfer market, smashing their transfer record with a £20m deal for Enzo Le Fée and closing in on an even bigger £30m swoop for Strasbourg’s Habib Diarra.
Reinildo Mandava of Atletico Madrid is another big-name target nearing completion as Sunderland’s hierarchy works hard to bolster the squad ahead of the new season.
It’s a far cry from the mood surrounding their last top-flight home match, a bleak day in May 2017 when already-relegated Sunderland lost to Swansea City.
That marked the end of their 10-year Premier League stay. So, as fans count down to the club’s long-awaited return to the elite, let’s revisit the eleven players who started that final Premier League home fixture—and where they are now:
* Jordan Pickford*– Then a rising star, Pickford left for Everton in a £30m move and is now England’s No.1 with 76 caps.
* Lamine Koné – Left for Strasbourg after relegation, then played in Switzerland and France. Now with FC Forward in Switzerland.
* Billy Jones – Stayed on one more season before spells with Rotherham and Crewe. Retired in 2021.
* Jason Denayer– Returned to Man City, then played in Turkey, France, and the Middle East. Now a free agent after leaving Al Fateh.
* Javier Manquillo – Returned to Atlético Madrid, then joined Newcastle. Currently with Celta Vigo in Spain.
* John O’Shea – Finished his playing career at Reading and is now assistant coach for the Republic of Ireland national team.
* Didier Ndong – Sunderland’s record signing at the time. Played in France, Saudi Arabia, and Iran. Currently with Esteghlal.
* Sebastian Larsson – Moved to Hull, then back to Sweden with AIK. Retired in 2022 and now part of Sweden’s national team coaching setup.
* Victor Anichebe– Brief stint in China before early retirement. Recently linked to a failed takeover of Gateshead FC.
* Fabio Borini – Moved to Milan, then had stints with Verona, Karagümrük, and most recently Sampdoria. Currently a free agent.
* Jermain Defoe – A fan favourite who left post-relegation, had spells with Bournemouth and Rangers, and briefly returned to Sunderland before retiring in 2022.
As Sunderland’s Premier League return looms, the contrast between then and now couldn’t be sharper—reflecting the club’s renewed ambition and resurgence under a bold new era.
Alious
