Sunderland’s potential 2026/27 starting XI if summer rumours materialise | OneFootball

Sunderland finished their first season back in the Premier League in seventh, and a Europa League debut beckons with Juventus, AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen. According to Sunderland Echo, here is how Regis Le Bris’s starting XI could look if current summer links come to fruition.

Robin Roefs, a Netherlands international, enjoyed a standout year and, despite reports of interest elsewhere, he seems set to remain in goal for a historic campaign.

At the back, free agent Oscar Mingueza has been linked after leaving Celta Vigo, while Omar Alderete impressed and is at the World Cup with Paraguay. Dan Ballard, North East Football Writers Player of the Year, has signed a long-term deal, and Trai Hume could be in captaincy contention if Chelsea step up a move for current skipper Granit Xhaka.

In midfield, 14-times capped Cameroon international Arthur Avom has been touted after impressing for Lorient, Le Bris’s former club. Noah Sadiki delivered on last summer’s hype and earned selection for DR Congo’s history-making World Cup squad.

Celtic’s Arne Engels, a Belgium international, is among those linked and may decide his future after the World Cup. Enzo Le Fee, whose loan turned permanent upon promotion, offers energy and creativity.

Out wide, Chemsdine Talbi has continued to impress and is part of Morocco’s last-16 World Cup squad. Up front, former Ajax striker Brian Brobbey returns buoyant after an impressive tournament for the Netherlands, despite an earlier-than-expected exit.

Source: Sunderland Echo