Sunderland Splash Out Over £100m in Dramatic Summer Rebuild
Sunderland have made a statement on their Premier League return with a remarkable summer transfer window that leaves them with a net spend of £-113.5 million. The Black Cats have invested heavily in youth, versatility, and experience as they look to establish themselves in the top flight, while also cashing in on one of their brightest academy stars.
The headline signing was Senegalese midfielder Habib Diarra, who arrived from Strasbourg for a club-record £30m and declared himself delighted to join. He was quickly followed by Simon Adingra from Brighton in a £21m move, bringing pace and creativity to the forward line. Enzo Le Fée made his loan permanent after helping Sunderland secure promotion, completing a £20m deal with a heartfelt message that “my heart is in Sunderland.” Young winger Chemsdine Talbi joined from Club Brugge for £19.5m, while DR Congo international Noah Sadiki arrived for £15m to add versatility in midfield and defence.
The squad’s experience levels were boosted by the signing of Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen for £13m, with the former Arsenal captain bringing leadership and big-game know-how. Defensively, Sunderland added Nordi Mukiele from PSG for £10.3m, Paraguayan centre-back Omar Alderete for £10m, and Mozambique’s Reinildo Mandava on a free from Atlético Madrid. Dutch goalkeeper Robin Roefs signed for £9.1m to provide competition between the posts, while Bertrand Traoré was snapped up from Ajax for just £2.5m. Additional depth came via Lutsharel Geertruida on loan from Leipzig, Arthur Masuaku on a free from Besiktas, Chelsea forward Marc Guiu on loan, and Northern Irish prospect Matthew Burns from Coleraine.
Outgoings were headlined by Jobe Bellingham, who followed in the footsteps of his brother Jude by sealing a £27m move to Borussia Dortmund, where he will wear the No.77 shirt. Winger Tom Watson also departed, joining Brighton for £10m after scoring the playoff goal that helped Sunderland secure promotion. Other exits included a mix of loans and permanent moves: Nazariy Rusyn headed to Arka Gdynia, Patrick Roberts joined Birmingham on loan, Pierre Ekwah moved permanently to Saint-Etienne, and goalkeeper Nathan Bishop signed for Wimbledon. Meanwhile, Jenson Seelt joined Wolfsburg on loan, Luís Semedo went to Moreirense, Adil Aouchiche moved to Aberdeen, and young keeper Matty Young joined Salford on loan.
With more than a dozen arrivals, Sunderland’s recruitment drive has blended youth, potential, and top-level experience, creating a squad capable of competing in the Premier League. While the loss of Bellingham and Watson will sting, the sheer depth of investment signals serious ambition to not just survive, but thrive in the top flight.
