Régis Le Bris says Sunderland ‘need three or four’ signings for Europa League | OneFootball

"We’ll need three or four more consistent players in different positions, so that we can manage the schedule."

"It’s going to be different because, on average, a team who starts in Europe is supposed to lose 10 points in the league." He told The Telegraph.

In their first season back in the top flight, Sunderland finished seventh, sealing Europa League qualification on the final day against Chelsea. It is the club’s first European campaign since 1973-74, and only their fifth top-10 top-flight finish in 70 years.

The schedule will be heavy, with at least eight Europa League fixtures alongside Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup duties. "So it’s a big challenge. And it’s clear, we need to recover quickly, we need to prepare quickly, we need to debrief quickly. So it’s going to be challenging. But it’s not boring, and everybody should be excited."

Last summer brought more than a dozen arrivals who became key figures. The focus now is to add quality without unsettling the balance and momentum built under Le Bris.

The squad are due back in early July, with a first friendly at York City on Saturday, July 18. A United States tour follows against Liverpool, Leeds United and Wrexham, then a European double-header with RC Lens. The final warm-up is at home to Stade Rennais on Saturday, August 15, one week before the 2026-27 Premier League begins.

Source: Sunderland Echo