Premier League Team Guides: Sunderland
Before becoming a Sports Journalist for Free Super Tips, Aaron spent three years studying Sports Journalism at the University of Sunderland while taking in the Black Cats' 'glory years' under Martin O'Neill. Now back in Northern Ireland he turns niche stats into predictions for FST, while he's one of the few people on this island who is equally comfortable at Windsor Park and the Aviva.
This article is part of our team-by-team guide to the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Team overview
- League Position: 4th (Championship)
- FA Cup: Third round
- EFL Cup: First round
- Top scorer: Wilson Isidor (13)
Season review
Sunderland spent 10 of the first 15 matchdays in the Championship at the top of the table, but their automatic promotion hopes faded. A 0-0 draw at home to West Brom on November 26th left them fourth, a position they held through to the end of the season.
The Black Cats were on an island of their own in the second tier, cut adrift of the top three and far clear of the playoff chasers below. That led to the five-game losing streak to close out the regular season, before their incredible playoff campaign.
While Sunderland’s run-in was a write-off, their staying power was clear from the late drama in all three matches. An 88th-minute winner at Coventry in the first leg of the semi-final was tame in comparison to the 124th-minute strike that booked their place at Wembley.
Sheffield United led for the majority of the playoff final, but the Black Cats completed a late comeback with Tommy Watson’s 95th-minute winner.
Sunderland’s survival hopes have already been written off by many. However, the Black Cats’ recent success has been built on a sustainable model which has seen them hit on a number of under-the-radar signings.
The Black Cats won’t wander into the top-flight with a dogmatic tactical style. Regis Le Bris is happy to tweak his starting line-up based on the opposition. However, he’ll need a deeper squad to shake his resistance to substitutions.
Sunderland suffered five of their 12 league defeats in their final five fixtures, including three of their four losses at the Stadium of Light.
Key stat: Sunderland led the game for a combined 19 minutes across their three playoff matches on the way to promotion
Transfer window preview
Playoff winners are often considered to be at a disadvantage in the transfer market, with the two automatically promoted sides getting a head start to make signings.
However, Sunderland lined up two deals during the season. Playoff winner Tommy Watson agreed a £10million move to Brighton in April, which boosts their spending power.
Enzo Le Fee’s loan move from Roma became permanent after their promotion. He adds not only quality, but top-flight experience to the youngest squad in last season’s Championship.
Their starting lineup for the playoff final featured a starting 11 without a Premier League appearance between them. Adding that kind of experience is important, with former Sunderland and Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson being linked with a return.
Jobe Bellingham won’t be part of the campaign after departing for Borussia Dortmund, while there should be an exodus of loans for some of their future prospects.
Top newcomer odds: 4/1
To be relegated odds: 3/10
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