Sunderland

We asked for your views on what one thing needs to change at Sunderland before the new campaign and why.

Here are some of your comments:

Steven: A quality striker is a must. Another 10 goals last season and they could be playing in the Champions League.

Dave: I can't remember the last time I went into a close season being comfortable with what we have. Not just players, the owner, manager and board. We really need to keep the pedal down on progression and not ease up. Like anyone we want new additions to the team but holding on to the current players or getting good value on movement is all we can ask for. A significant investment in the academy is necessary but that's long-term.

Jura: We definitely need an out-and-out goalscorer for the new campaign. I was absolutely proud of what we achieved last season but we lost out on so much more because of our failure to consistently score goals.

Rob: It think four need to leave and a money signing to show we are ready and for European football. Bowen on loan deal. Rashford if he doesn't get move to Barcelona. Maybe even Stones to secure the defence. I know outside the box but European football as a last-chance trophy for some of the older players might be tempting.

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Dutch football expert Michael Statham has given the lowdown on Sunderland's Netherlands internationals Robin Roefs, Brian Brobbey and Lutsharel Geertruida before they take part in this summer's World Cup.

On goalkeeper Roefs, he said: "When Robin Roefs broke through at NEC Nijmegen you could see he would be a big talent. He had big shoes to fill because Jasper Cillessen was there as well.

"Roefs usurped him and he was a fantastic shot-stopper from the get go. NEC would have loved to keep hold of him but the high fee they received from Sunderland was something the club were not used to.

"The Netherlands are excited about him and there was a lot of talk that he could be the number one goalkeeper going into the World Cup when Mark Verbruggen wasn't playing at this best. But, he's going to be an able deputy. People can be really confident that he will have a good future."

On forward Brobbey, who scored seven goals in his debut season in England: "I have been a big fan of Brian Brobbey since he broke through at Ajax and playing in the youth teams way above his age. His hold up play and strength is fantastic. I can see why Sunderland fans have been impressed with him.

"To move to the ultimate top level in Europe he needs more parts to his game. He has only had one season of being a regular goalscorer. He hasn't yet forced himself into being the Netherlands' number nine and there are not too many options. I just think he has to go to another gear. He's a confidence player but deep down he did feel that pressure with Ajax in his last season."

And on the versatile Geertruida, whose future is uncertain after his loan from RB Lepzig, Statham added: "He is not someone who speaks very often to the media but he is very personable on the pitch and is someone who can get fans onside and be likeable.

"He's played a multitude of positions with Sunderland this season, right-back, left-back and midfield, and he fills a lot of gaps. He's improved a lot from his time in Germany where he struggled and I think a permanent move would suit him. Sunderland are going to need lots of players next season for Europe and Geertruida would be a really good move. I think it would suit him as well and he would like that."

Listen to the full chat below or on BBC Sounds

Who last summer predicted Sunderland would end the season with more than 50 points, beat Newcastle United home and away, chase qualifictaion for Europe for the first time in over 50 years, win at Chelsea and almost win at Liverpool?

Take in my review of the season below or on BBC Sounds.

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Chris Collinson
BBC Sport statistician

With all 48 World Cup squads now confirmed, we look at how they shape up and compare with each other leading into the tournament.

Which clubs have the most players?

Looking just at the 20 clubs that made up the 2025-26 Premier League, only this season's top three have more players at the World Cup than Conference League winners Crystal Palace (12).

Including players out on loan over the season, Sunderland remarkably have as many representatives on the global stage as Chelsea and Liverpool (11), showing just how globe-trotting their recruitment was following promotion last summer.

The majority of Brentford, Everton and Leeds' squads can put their feet up and recharge their batteries for next season, with those clubs sending just four players each.

• Get more key stats on participation

The 2026-27 Premier League season will be here before we know it, with the first matches taking place on Saturday, 22 August.

We have a simple question for you - what one thing needs to change at your club before the new campaign and why?

It can be a player, manager, ticketing issue, owner, or wider change.

Let us know in detail here

Sunderland hope to beat Marseille to the signing of Charleroi and Algeria midfielder Yassine Titraoui, 22. (FootSur7 - in French), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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Former Sunderland midfielder Kieron Brady believes £8m would be "a lot of money" to pay for Black Cats goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.

Patterson spent last season on loan at Championship side Millwall and Sunderland would reportedly be looking for at least £8m if they were to sell him.

Scottish Premiership side Rangers, Millwall, Wolves and Wrexham are among the clubs said to be interested in the England Under-21 goalkeeper.

Brady told BBC Radio Newcastle: "Sunderland may well contend that they are selling their second-choice goalkeeper, albeit they allowed him to go on loan and get some game time.

"Is £8m a lot of money these days? The only thing that I think could potentially prove a stumbling block for any transfer would be that the clubs that are referred to, I would have some reservations that any of those clubs would be prepared to pay £8m for a goalkeeper.

"It's a lot of money for a Championship club to pay for a goalkeeper and given the revenue within the Scottish game, £8m would be a lot for Celtic or Rangers to pay for a keeper."

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson is wanted by Wrexham, but the Welsh club need the Black Cats to reduce their asking price of £8m-10m for the 26-year-old Englishman. (Sky Sports), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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We asked for your views on which players Sunderland should sign from the three relegated Premier League sides Wolves,Burnley and West Ham United.

Here are some of your suggestions:

Rob: Jarrod Bowen on a season-long loan with obligation to buy if West Ham don't get promoted. It would do him the world of good playing alongside Granit Xhaka and in Europe. He could be a steal and a bargain.

Liam: I think we should sign players from the relegated clubs to give us more experience and flair. From West Ham, I would take Mads Hermansen as a second-choice goalkeeper to Robin Roefs, and right winger Bowen. From Wolves, I would take central midfielder Joao Gomes. From Burnley, I would sign left-back Quilindschy Hartman and left winger Jaidon Anthony.

Chris: The left-back position is key, so Oliver Scarles from West Ham for homegrown numbers. I also liked Zian Flemming from Burnley, but I don't think he will be cheap.

Geoff: While I fully expect Sunderland to continue its successful purchases and loans of players from mainland Europe, there are a handful of players currently with relegated clubs that may fit well into our current structure. One possible player is the Burnley attacking midfielder Flemming. He possesses some of the appropriate qualities including good finishing, height and pace.

Tom: Bashir Humphreys from Burnley. Given the number of times either Omar Alderete or Dan Ballard were out this season, and the fact we will be in the Europa League, we need another centre-back. Humphreys also helps fill the homegrown player count, plus he has good carrying and progressive passing stats like Alderete and Ballard. He also completes more passes, defensive duels and possession wins compared to them. He also fits the youth-focused recruitment model.

Jeff: I wouldn't take anyone. None of the players we signed last summer were in the thoughts of any Sunderland fan's mind. There was speculation about Jordan Henderson and we got the transformational Granit Xhaka. I trust the club to do another great job in this window.

Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini says it would be "hard to criticise" Eliezer Mayenda if he decides to leave the Black Cats this summer.

The 21-year-old striker, who joined from FC Sochaux in July 2023, was a driving force in Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League last season and scored the winning goal in the Championship play-off final against Sheffield United.

However, Mayenda has had limited minutes this season and made just 23 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals.

"It's difficult for players like Mayenda," said Gabbiadini on BBC Radio Newcastle. "He's a popular player and he's had some great moments for us because he's an exciting player when he gets on the ball.

"But he hasn't had as many minutes as he will have liked through the season."

Speculation of Mayenda's departure grew after his agent posted a picture with the caption "The last dance" following the final game of the season at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.

"Conversations could have been happening for months because it doesn't all just happen in the last week of the season," added Gabbiadini. "They [the club] know what players' intentions are.

"This might be for Mayenda the biggest opportunity of his life to get to a club where he's going to play and on a contract that brings him financial security moving forward.

"With him being so on the edges of things this season, it is frustrating. Your career is so short as these players might only get a sweet spot of seven or eight years so they have to strike while the iron is hot.

"It's life and supporters find it hard when people put it in those terms, but it's the reality.

"He's a player that has given his all when he has had minutes so it's hard to criticise him."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

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When Luke O'Nien signed for League One Sunderland in 2018, European football was never a dream because he "never thought it was possible".

After being released from Watford in 2015, O'Nien said he was "heartbroken" in an emotional statement posted on X.

Some 11 years on, the 31-year-old will head into the 2026-27 pre-season with European football on the horizon.

Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini told BBC Radio Newcastle: "When he came to Sunderland he was clearly not a Premier League player, but he is now."

During O'Nien's tenure at the Wearside club, he has been managed by seven full-time managers, but it was Regis le Bris who would help guide him and his team-mates back to the Premier League.

O'Nien reflected on social media: "Then came the Championship. 'He's not good enough for this level.' Then the Premier League. 'Let's give him a debut and then get rid of him.' I understood the doubt. I've faced it my whole career."

He them remarks how his father "emailed every EFL club asking for an opportunity" after he was released from Watford, and the only club to reply was League Two's Wycombe Wanderers.

"To any young player reading this, don't put a ceiling on yourself too early," O'Nien added. "You genuinely have no idea where this game and life can take you. And to the boys… thank you. You removed the glass ceiling I'd placed on myself."

In O'Nien's debut Premier League season, he featured 12 times and had three appearances in the FA Cup.

"Someone like Luke O'Nien has done it the other way," added Gabbiadini.

"Quite often he was happy to play in any position during some of his time at the club.

"That shows [what can happen] you if you get your head down and learn from the people around you."

Listen by hitting play below or get more from Gabbiadini on BBC Sounds here

The curtain has officially come down on the 2025-26 Premier League season.

Players will depart and squads will be strengthened when the summer transfer window opens on Monday, 15 June.

With Wolves, Burnley and West Ham United all heading down to the Championship - would you be keen to poach any of their players?

Who would be good value for money and why? Which name would be best to avoid?

Let us know your thoughts here

Sunderland centre-back Luke O'Nien has said he "would love" Lutsharel Geertruida to remain at the Wearside club as his loan comes to an end.

The Netherlands international joined Regis le Bris' side on loan from Bundesliga team RB Leipzig at the start of the 2025-26 campaign, but the club have not confirmed whether they will make a permanent move for the 25-year-old.

Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle, O'Nien said: "He has been top. Top level as a human and as a player - he is incredible. I would love to see him stay.

"He is a phenomenal human, and the level he has shown in all positions has been so important to this team all season."

Although Geertruida featured in the Netherlands' friendly against Ecuador in March, he has not been selected to feature in Ronald Koeman's squad at the 2026 World Cup.

• Hit play below or listen to O'Nien and Marco Gabbiadini discuss Geertruida here

• Subscribe to the Sunderland BBC Sounds feed

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Sunderland's Luke O'Nien spoke to BBC Radio Newcastle about Harrison Jones, Dan Neil and Dennis Cirkin, who are expected to leave the club this summer: "I embraced all three after the game. We wouldn't be here without them.

"Dan Neil captained the club back to the Premier League and is a boyhood Sunderland fan. He celebrated getting Europe like he scored the winner. That is special. He and his family have always got a place here.

"Dennis came in League One. The friendship I have with him and how much he has helped me, I have loved playing with him. Playing alongside him as been one the most enjoyable parts of my career.

"There are things about Harrison Jones that no-one will see. That fella is honestly incredible. Over the past two years he has been one of the most consistent trainers in the first team every single day. When you don't play, the culture goes to them sorts of people with the level he sets. He will never get the plaudits at this football club, but I know inside how important he was and all of the boys know it. I can't wait to see his career kick on.

"Europe is cool - but seeing the way Jonesy has matured over the past few years and the footballer he has become, that means more. Seeing people develop is my biggest goal. It is one of the most important for all of us."

Listen to more from O'Nien on BBC Sounds here

Gavin Henderson
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Season score out of 10 and overriding emotion?

10/10 undoubtedly. I'm so proud of what we've achieved. Given we were written off by everyone before the start of the campaign and told we'd finish bottom and go straight back down, I don't think coming seventh and qualifying for the Europa League was too bad!

Best moment and why?

In a season of unbelievable moments (and trust me, I could probably pick about 20 of them) the best was definitely celebrating our European qualification on Sunday after we beat Chelsea. Of course, beating Newcastle twice was unbelievable, but all of those little moments culminated in what we've achieved with our league finish.

Player of season and why?

Enzo le Fee. What a magician this guy is - he's been unbelievable all season and is a player that any club in Europe would love to have at their disposal.

Unsung hero and why?

Luke O'Nien. The guy played for us in League One and just marshalled a fantastic Chelsea forward line like it was no problem. He doesn't always play, but when he does, he stays ready and never lets us down.

Biggest disappointment?

There haven't been many bad days, but the biggest disappointment was the 5-0 home loss to Nottingham Forest in April. We were hopeless - thankfully it was a one-off and didn't become a habit.

What needs to change this summer?

Our squad - because we'll need quality and depth if we are going to handle the extra European fixtures. But, I don't think that'll be too much of a problem as our recruitment is very good.

Major hope for next season?

We win the Europa League - the fact I'm even uttering that sentence is crazy to me!

Find more from Gavin Henderson at Roker Report, external

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Sunderland, Tottenham, Fulham and Newcastle are interested in West Ham full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

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Marc Webber
Final Score reporter at The Stadium of Light

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"As your captain, I can promise you, this is just the beginning and we want more."

Of all the cheers heard at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, those words from Granit Xhaka to the crowd after the game probably garnered the loudest.

To many, Xhaka embodies the determined attitude Sunderland has shown to silence this season's nay-sayers who had them down for instant relegation.

It is a narrative that has always come from his lips.

He told a season-opening press conference "we're not just here to make up the numbers".

In all those interviews, he has been as convincing as any top salesman and he has backed that talk up with stellar leadership on the pitch.

So, you cannot fail to buy in to his conviction that Sunderland will be a force in Europe next season.

But it is not just what the players have done which turned the club from play-off winners to European jet-setters in 365 days.

The youngest chairman in European elite football - 28-year-old Swiss businessman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus - rolled the dice and spent on a bigger squad to ensure they stayed in the top flight.

Some will say that was a gamble. Especially those fans with decent memories who recall Sunderland's recent history of financial turbulence.

But that Swiss stereotype of being good at cautious investments has paid dividends.

It would be hard to see them not repeating the ethos as they head back into the transfer market to bolster their squad for Europe with the proceeds of a Premier League season in the bank account.

Worried Wearsiders were hard to find in the bars around the ground on Sunday night. But there were a couple.

One fan leaving the ground afterwards said to me: "Clubs haven't been able to work us out this season. But they've played us now, so they will. It will be harder next season."

Another said: "It might be a stretch going to Europe. I've seen what happened to Nottingham Forest and even Tottenham. It dragged them down the league."

But those are minority views. The glee emitting from the fans outshone the Sun in Sunderland on Sunday and backs up the belief from their chief hype-man, Xhaka, that the best is yet to come.

On BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, ex-Premier League players Joe Hart and Andros Townsend agreed that Sunderland's signing of Granit Xhaka has helped the club qualify for the Europa League.

Hart said: "That's a club that have gone for it. They have built an absolute fortress at home.

"Granit Xhaka stood out for me. A brilliant top move."

The 33-year-old missed four league games for the Wearside club and captained Regis Le Bris' side in his first season at Sunderland.

Townsend added: "Everyone wants a youth, youth, youth and players they can sell on.

"But if you look at Sunderland and Brentford with Jordan Henderson, you need one or two players who have that Premier League experience, that leadership to be able to guide the young, exciting players through."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds