How Sunderland’s new Premier League rivals are shaping up for 2026/27 | OneFootball

Sunderland will start the Premier League with an opening-day trip to Ipswich Town after the fixtures were released on Thursday, with Coventry City, Ipswich and Hull City joining them in the top flight. All three promoted clubs are due to step up pre-season next month.

According to Sunderland Echo, Ipswich returned as Championship runners-up, Hull won the play-offs and Coventry were champions under Frank Lampard to end a 25-year top-flight absence.

Coventry have yet to add to their promotion-winning squad this window. Brad Collins and Jamie Allen have left at the end of their contracts, and an on-loan Tottenham Hotspur winger has gone back to his parent club.

Kieran McKenna ended his four-year reign at Portman Road. A replacement has not been named, though reports have suggested Gary O’Neil is close to taking over.

The Tractor Boys have confirmed permanent deals for Ajax striker Chuba Akpom and Reims defender Cedric Kipre, while goalkeeper Arijanet Muric has joined Sassuolo.

Hull sealed promotion with a play-off final win against Middlesbrough. Loanees Joe Gelhart, Toby Collyer, Amir Hadziahemotvic, Lewis Koumas, John Lundstrom and Yu Hirakawa have all returned to their clubs.

Despite links to several targets, Hull have not yet made a first signing as they gear up for a Premier League return.

Source: Sunderland Echo