Sunderland plan for Europe as Florent Ghisolfi targets readiness over fear | OneFootball

Sunderland sealed seventh with a 2-1 win over Chelsea on the final day in May, delivering their first European campaign in more than half a century and switching focus to the Europa League.

"We can't have fear. Only conviction that we will be ready," said director of football Florent Ghisolfi, speaking to The Athletic.

UEFA’s draw in Nyon on 28 August will add at least eight matches, with potential opponents including Milan, Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen.

A repeat of last summer’s 14 signings for £170m is not planned. Thomas Meunier has joined on a free from Lille. "For sure we need more quality, but our foundation is the same. The only pillar we have to protect is to keep this mentality," said Ghisolfi.

Spending has been supported by sales, including Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund for up to £32m and Tommy Watson to Brighton for £10m, following earlier departures for Jack Clarke and Ross Stewart.

Chelsea’s bid for Granit Xhaka was rejected. Fringe turnover has begun with Eliezer Mayenda sold to Rennes for £21.5m, while Dan Neil joined Rangers and Dennis Cirkin left on free transfers.

Europe brings UEFA’s squad cost ratio, limiting spending on wages, transfers and agents’ fees to 70 percent of revenue, compared with 85 percent for non-European clubs. "We do have headroom to spend this summer," said chief executive Tom Burwell.

Pre-season takes Sunderland to the United States for games against Liverpool in Nashville, Leeds in New Jersey and Wrexham in Chester.

Source: NY Times