Sunderland 2026/27 Season Preview

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Hooligan Soccer

·20 August 2026

Sunderland 2026/27 Season Preview

Everyone tipped Sunderland to finish rock bottom of the Premier League last season. They had just been promoted back to the top flight after nine years in the EFL and were by far the least proven side in the league.

Instead, the Black Cats had the season of their dreams. Sunderland not only survived relegation but flourished in the Prem, finishing seventh and qualifying for Europa League football. Those European nights now give them a new challenge in their second season back at the top of the pyramid.

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Major Offseason Moves

Outgoings

It’s been a pretty perfect summer for Sunderland when it comes to their departures. Despite concerns early in the transfer window that club captain Granit Xhaka would be on the move to Chelsea, the Swiss stalwart stayed put. The majority of Sunderland’s sales have been moving on the deadwood that haven’t had a part to play.

Lutsharel Geertruida is the biggest loss, with last season’s starting right back departing after his loan move ended. He looks to be on the verge of a permanent move to Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven.

The other notable outgoing for Sunderland is striker Eliezer Mayenda. The 21 year old was a key part in the promotion to the Premier League two seasons ago but only scored twice last year. He joined Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais in a deal worth $25.5 million.

Incomings

It’s been a relatively uneventful summer all around for Sunderland. With only one real key departure, the Black Cats haven’t seen the need to bring in many new players as of yet. The only signing is veteran Thomas Meunier to replace Geertruida at right back. Meunier will provide experience at the top level, having previously played for the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund.

Sunderland looked to be adding another fullback on the opposite flank, but the move is now in jeopardy. They were eyeing up a club record transfer for 20 year old left back Dayann Methalie from Toulouse. However, the French youngster failed his medical in England and is now heading back to his club for additional tests. That transfer breaking down would leave Reinildo as the only left back at the club. If Methalie doesn’t end up arriving at the Stadium of Light, expect a different left back to join instead.

Key Performers

Granit Xhaka

Sunderland’s most important player is easily Granit Xhaka. He joined last summer from Bayer Leverkusen and instantly became club captain. Xhaka was the anchor of the midfield at the CDM position and showed his Premier League experience and quality by leading the Black Cats to European qualification. With a potential move to Chelsea breaking down, Xhaka will once again lead Sunderland as they look to affirm their Premier League status and push for a Europa League title.

Brian Brobbey

When you think of a traditional number nine, you’re thinking of Brian Brobbey. The Netherlands international is a big bruising center forward, excellent at using his physicality to hold the ball up and bully defenders. His goal in preseason against Stade Rennais is the perfect encapsulation of what he brings to Sunderland. Brobbey scored seven goals in his first Premier League season and will be looking to hit double digits now that he’s acclimated to the league.

Nordi Mukiele

Granit Xhaka wasn’t the only Leverkusen player to join Sunderland last summer. After a successful loan spell in Germany, Nordi Mukiele signed for the Black Cats on a permanent deal from Paris Saint-Germain. Mukiele’s experience at the top level and versatility were huge assets for the newly promoted side. He slotted in across the back line at right back and center back, locking up wingers while also contributing three goals and four assists in attack. In the prime of his career at 28 years of age, Mukiele is the standout of a Sunderland defense that conceded the fourth-fewest goals in the Premier League last season.

Likely Outcome For 2026/27

Although they shocked the world with their seventh place finish last season, this campaign will be all about consolidation. Second season syndrome often has a real impact on newly promoted clubs. The last thing Sunderland want is to be the second coming of 2020/21 Sheffield United, who finished dead last the season after placing ninth in their first campaign back in the Premier League in 13 years. They’ll be more than happy to finish comfortably midtable, with an added bonus if rivals Newcastle end up below them again.

The main reason why pushing up the Premier League table won’t be the goal for Sunderland this year is because of the Europa League. This will be their first season in Europe in 53 years, a historic achievement for the club. That means making a deep run in the Europa League will be the key focus for manager Régis Le Bris. Since they’ve been quiet in the transfer market, Sunderland’s squad may not be deep enough to maintain high quality performances in the league and in Europe. With the added fixture congestion, expect a step back for the Black Cats in the Premier League while also making a knockout run in the Europa League.