Four reasons Sunderland can keep defying second-season fears in 2026/27 | OneFootball

Sunderland enter 2026/27 with Europe returning after over 50 years. According to Sunderland Echo, despite bookmakers listing them fourth-favourites for relegation and talk of second-season syndrome, there are solid reasons for optimism.

Régis Le Bris’s team were already evolving by season’s end. Early results outpaced performance data, aided by Robin Roefs, but Sunderland finished by controlling games and creating more, capped by an excellent final-day display at Chelsea.

Le Bris added attacking tweaks, using Nordi Mukiele or Lutsharel Geertruida at full back and Enzo Le Fée as a number 10. A full pre-season could further that progress, and if they start as they finished, the outlook is encouraging.

Second-season slumps are rarer than assumed. Only one of the last seven clubs to survive after promotion fell the next year, and it has occurred only 10 times since 1992.

An expanded schedule will stretch resources, yet Wolves handled European commitments in their second year under Nuno, as West Ham United did for David Moyes. Familiarity and fatigue may cost points, but a strong season can still follow.

A young squad should improve. Brian Brobbey settled after a late arrival, Le Fée rose late on, and prospects Noah Sadiki and Chemsdine Talbi have experience to build on, backed by leaders Granit Xhaka and Mukiele.

Foundations look robust. Big crowds bolster revenue, helping resist bids for key players and add depth within UEFA rules, while an ambitious squad and hierarchy kept pushing after safety last term.

Source: Sunderland Echo