Sunderland pre-season latest as Le Bris urges patience, Balogun talk denied, Tutierov signs | OneFootball

Sunderland’s pre-season opened with a 5-1 win at York City, and attention now turns to measured recruitment. Régis Le Bris has urged patience in a slow market, while talk of a big-money move for Folarin Balogun has been dismissed. Forward Timur Tutierov has also signed a new contract.

Sunderland Echo understands claims on Monday of talks over a deal worth around £40m for Balogun are wide of the mark, with no discussions held.

The head coach said he is never relaxed, but this summer feels different. After 14 signings last year, he expects probably six or seven, and a strong base means Sunderland can wait for the right options in a slow window rather than rush.

Free agent Thomas Meunier, 34, joined last week. After World Cup duty with Belgium he is taking a short break, then will link up with team-mates in August as preparations continue for Premier League and Europa League demands.

Tutierov, 21, underlined his progress at the LNER Community Stadium with a goal and an assist from Le Bris’ first-half XI.

He joined from Ukrainian side Kolos Kovalivka in April 2023 and impressed for the under-21s at the start of 2025-26, scoring six and assisting one in seven Premier League 2 matches.

Source: Sunderland Echo