Alious“‘Several’ More Signings Incoming! Kristjaan Speakman Teases Massive Sunderland Transfer Drive as Premier League Plans Accelerate”
Sunderland Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman has revealed that the club’s summer transfer activity is far from over, despite a fast-paced window that has already seen six signings sealed—including the high-profile arrival of Simon Adingra from Brighton for £18.5 million.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Speakman emphasized that “several” additional signings are still expected as the Black Cats aim to bolster their squad ahead of their Premier League return. He stressed that while Sunderland have made a strong start in the market, the recruitment process remains deliberate and measured, focusing on quality and cohesion rather than quantity.
> “We’ve still got several more players we need to bring in,” Speakman explained. “We’ve always avoided knee-jerk decisions. It’s about finding the right players, staying calm, but also being ready to act decisively when the moment is right.”
He noted that Sunderland’s early activity—including three or four key acquisitions—demonstrates the ambition of the club’s ownership and the intention to establish the team as a Premier League mainstay. The immediate goal, he said, is to stay in the division while continuing the journey toward restoring Sunderland to their historical average Premier League standing—around ninth place.
Speakman also highlighted the importance of maintaining the strong team spirit that defined their promotion-winning campaign. “Players want to be part of something meaningful,” he said. “They want to play with quality teammates and be in a squad with good character. I think everyone saw last season how united and passionate this group was about representing Sunderland.”
Defensive Reinforcements a Priority
Injuries to Luke O’Nien, Dennis Cirkin, Aji Alese, and Leo Hjelde have left Sunderland short at the back, making defensive reinforcements a top priority. Head coach Régis Le Bris, speaking after Sunderland’s friendly against South Shields, echoed Speakman’s sentiment, stressing the need to strengthen multiple positions while continuing to assess the current squad.
> “It’s a work in progress,” Le Bris said. “The next few weeks are crucial. We’ve added one player \[Habib Diarra] already, but others will follow. It’s better to get players in early, of course, but the market dictates the pace.”
The club will use its upcoming trip to Portugal to evaluate who among the current squad will earn a place in the Premier League campaign. Le Bris emphasized that squad decisions are evolving daily as the coaching staff gather more insights through training and pre-season fixtures.
As Sunderland prepares for the top flight, both Speakman and Le Bris remain focused on assembling a competitive, committed squad that reflects the club’s ambition—and supporters can expect more movement in the weeks ahead.
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