DONE DEAL: Sunderland sign £30m Leeds United target in monster summer transfer window.
Our Take on Sunderland’s Expected Summer Business Ahead of Premier League Return
This is a fun, forward-looking projection based on current transfer discussions, internal planning, and the broader market landscape.
While not every move is guaranteed, here’s how we think Sunderland’s summer transfer window could unfold as they prepare for life back in the Premier League.
Goalkeepers – What to Expect
Anthony Patterson is likely to retain his role as the first-choice goalkeeper, though increased competition is expected. Marcin Bulka remains Sunderland’s top target, but interest from Saudi side Neom could prompt the club to seek alternatives if Bulka chooses a more lucrative deal.
Regardless, bringing in a new keeper to challenge Patterson seems inevitable.
Nathan Bishop and Blondy Nna Noukeu are both candidates to leave, while Simon Moore may stay on as a reliable third-choice option, providing experience behind the younger goalkeepers.
Matty Young and Adam Richardson are likely to be loaned out for development, and Dan Cameron could also move later in the window to gain first-team experience.
Defence – Who Stays and Who Could Go
Key defenders Trai Hume, Dan Ballard, Luke O’Nien, Dennis Cirkin (who may sign a new contract), and Aji Alese are expected to remain at the club.
Reinildo Mandava is set to join and will bring top-level experience at left-back, effectively ending Sunderland’s interest in Harry Toffolo.
Joe Anderson is expected to be sold permanently, while Jenson Seelt, Leo Hjelde, and Zak Johnson are likely to head out on loan. The club is targeting another centre-back – with Charlie Cresswell considered a more feasible option than the injury-prone and expensive Joe Gomez.
Niall Huggins will continue his recovery and may go on loan later in the window. Timothée Pembélé is also expected to move on.
Midfield – Building a New Core
Habib Diarra’s £30 million transfer is all but finalized, and he’s expected to form a new midfield trio with Dan Neil – who may also sign a contract extension – and Enzo Le Fée.
Additional midfield signings are possible, though interest in Jordan Henderson appears to have cooled.
Chris Rigg is set to stay and play a prominent role. Jay Matete and Pierre Ekwah are expected to be sold, while Milan Aleksic is lined up for a loan. Nectar Triantis could also leave, though it’s unclear if that will be temporary or permanent.
Veteran Alan Browne offers leadership, but his Premier League minutes may be limited. If more midfielders arrive, he too could depart. Harrison Jones is another young player being considered for a developmental loan.
Attackers & Wingers – What’s Next
Patrick Roberts is expected to remain and contribute. Sunderland are looking to offload Ian Poveda, Adil Aouchiche, and Abdoullah Ba to streamline their wide options.
The most realistic signing in this area is Armand Laurienté – a £17 million target who can play out wide or through the middle. He currently appears more likely than Vladyslav Vanat.
Eliezer Mayenda, Wilson Isidor, and Romaine Mundle are all set to stay and battle for minutes. Luís Semedo and Nazariy Rusyn are likely to be sold. Long-term prospects Ahmed Abdullahi and Trey Ogunuyi will either continue with the U21s or go on loan.
Sunderland are also aiming to bring in one more forward. A potential loan deal with a £12 million obligation to buy Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Garcia is under consideration.
If that falls through, they’ll pursue a similar profile – young and high-potential. A move for someone like Jamie Vardy seems very unlikely at this stage, though everything remains fluid depending on the market.
Final Thoughts – A Window Built on Strategy
This transfer window is all about achieving balance. Owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus wants a squad capable of surviving in the top flight while growing in value.
Sporting director Florent Ghisolfi excels at identifying high-upside talent and blending it with select experienced players – and Sunderland’s approach so far reflects that.
Players like Diarra, Le Fée, Laurienté, and Garcia bring star quality and resale value, while Reinildo offers experience and leadership. Adding a top-tier goalkeeper like Bulka would complete the core spine of the team.
In total, Sunderland could see up to 15 players depart and around 10 new arrivals. By the end of the window, expect a leaner, more talented squad with a clear strategy – one built not just to survive, but to grow in the Premier League.
