Alious
After years of frustration and near-misses, Sunderland are finally back in the Premier League and brimming with ambition.
Following a dramatic promotion-clinching win over Sheffield United at Wembley, the Black Cats are preparing to make a serious impact in the top flight, thanks in large part to the vision of manager Régis Le Bris and an aggressive summer recruitment strategy.
Sunderland’s Premier League absence had stretched to eight long years—four of which were spent in League One—but that chapter is now closed.
The focus has shifted to ensuring survival and, potentially, much more. That mission is already underway with substantial investment into the squad.
The Wearside club has already splashed £50m on midfield talents: securing Enzo Le Fée on a permanent deal and landing Habib Diarra for a club-record £30m.
Rising star Noah Sadiki has also arrived for £17.75m, while a £20m deal for talented winger Chemsedine Talbi is reportedly on the verge of being finalized.
But Sunderland are far from done. If everything goes to plan, another £112m could soon be spent on seven more names—each one a deliberate piece in Le Bris’ Premier League puzzle.
Goalkeeper Reinforcement
While Anthony Patterson played a pivotal role in promotion with 14 clean sheets, Sunderland are reportedly eyeing Chelsea’s Djordje Petrovic to become their new No. 1. The Serbian stopper could be snapped up for £21.5m after an impressive loan spell at Strasbourg. If signed, he would bring Premier League experience and competition for Patterson, with veteran Simon Moore offering further cover.
Projected GK lineup:
* Djordje Petrovic
* Anthony Patterson
* Simon Moore
-Defensive Overhaul
Sunderland’s backline is in line for a significant revamp. While Trai Hume, Daniel Ballard, Luke O’Nien, and Dennis Cirkin are likely to retain key roles, several new additions could be on the horizon.
* Charlie Cresswell (Toulouse, £18m) offers strength and youth at centre-back.
* Duje Ćaleta-Car (Lyon, £8.5m) adds composure and elite passing.
* Reinildo, a seasoned Champions League defender, would arrive as a free agent to bolster left-back.
* Ishe Samuels-Smith, tipped for a bright future, could join on loan from Chelsea to develop under Le Bris.
Projected defence:
* 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
Midfield Powerhouse
The middle of the park already looks stacked. Diarra and Le Fée headline the new-look midfield, but there’s room for more firepower.
* Matteo Guendouzi (Lazio, £43m) is a high-profile target who could slot straight into the XI. With prior Premier League and Serie A experience, his leadership and grit would be vital.
* Dan Neil, a homegrown favourite, retains his place after a solid promotion campaign.
* Sadiki brings versatility and depth across multiple roles.
Midfield lineup:
* Dan Neil
* Matteo Guendouzi
* Habib Diarra
* Noah Sadiki
Attacking Reinforcements
The Black Cats’ attacking options are also set for a major refresh.
* Right-wing: Chemsedine Talbi is poised to be the new star, with Patrick Roberts and Eliezer Mayenda offering depth.
* Left-wing: Enzo Le Fée and Romaine Mundle give Le Bris creativity and flair on the flank.
* No. 10: Youngster Chris Rigg, already a fan favourite, is likely to be the first choice, with Adil Aouchiche as backup.
* Striker: The marquee forward target is Georges Mikautadze (Lyon, £21m). Fresh off a prolific season, the Georgian international is viewed as a major upgrade over Wilson Isidor, who still offers a credible goal threat.
Forward options:
* Left-wingers: Enzo Le Fée, Romaine Mundle
* Right-wingers: Chemsedine Talbi, Patrick Roberts, Eliezer Mayenda
* Attacking midfielders: Chris Rigg, Adil Aouchiche
* Strikers: Georges Mikautadze, Wilson Isidor
Final Outlook
If all seven targeted additions are completed—Petrovic, Cresswell, Ćaleta-Car, Reinildo, Samuels-Smith, Guendouzi, and Mikautadze—Sunderland’s total outlay could approach £112m this summer alone, not even counting the already completed signings of Diarra, Le Fée, and Sadiki.
The result? A revamped, Premier League-ready squad brimming with potential, competition, and tactical flexibility. For Sunderland fans, the dream isn’t just promotion anymore—it’s establishing themselves among England’s elite once again.
Alious
