Sunderland

"There is no doubt Trai Hume can make that step up to European football," believes BBC Sport Northern Ireland journalist Andy Gray.

The full-back, who has played a crucial role in Sunderland's journey from League One to the Premier League since signing an initial deal in January 2022, will be competing in the Europa League next season.

Speaking about the Northern Ireland international on BBC Radio Newcastle, Gray said: "The fact that Trai Hume offers leadership in a young group which doesn't play together all that often, and considering all the chopping and changing they have to do in defence, is pretty impressive.

"He can play anywhere, to be honest. His biggest attribute is how he is able to adapt positionally. He marked Kylian Mbappe [in the international friendly] the other day without issue, which isn't an easy task.

"He reads the game so well. He obviously isn't the tallest or the strongest player, but he always seems to be that split-second ahead to nip in and make a tackle. He really is such a crucial and important player in the Northern Ireland squad."

When asked if Hume is ready to make the step up to Europa League football, Gray replied: "He joined Sunderland when they were down the divisions and he has been on that journey with the club.

"It's clear that any time Sunderland have had to step up, he has been able to make the step up as well. I have no doubt it will be the same case when it comes to European football.

"He has no problems playing week in week out with the engine he has got. He loves playing football. He will run himself into the ground for the club. He can raise his game any time he is asked to."

Listen to the conversation above or listen on BBC Sounds

The countdown to the World Cup is well and truly on, so here's a reminder of the Black Cats selected to represent their countries from 11 June to 19 July.

The expanded 48-team competition is set to be the biggest in history, with the United States, Canada and Mexico hosting.

Sunderland's World Cup contingent:

• Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast)

• Omar Alderete (Paraguay)

• Nilson Angulo (Ecuador)

• Brian Brobbey (Netherlands)

• Habib Diarra (Senegal)

• Wilson Isidor (Haiti)

• Arthur Masuaku (DR Congo)

• Robin Roefs (Netherlands)

• Noah Sadiki (DR Congo)

• Chemsdine Talbi (Morocco)

• Granit Xhaka (Switzerland)

*Lutsharel Geertruida - on loan at Sunderland last season - has also been called up to replace Jurrien Timber for Netherlands

Take a dive into each of the 48 squads here

Read more about the World Cup squads in numbers

Find out more about how to follow the competition on the BBC

Click here to download your World Cup 2026 wallchart

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber will miss the World Cup with a groin injury, with Sunderland's Lutsharel Geertruida called up as his replacement.

Timber, 24, came on shortly after the hour mark in Arsenal's Champions League final defeat to Paris St-Germain.

But before the final, Timber had missed weeks of action, last featuring on 14 March in the win over Everton.

In a statement on X, the Dutch national side said: "Jurrien Timber misses the 2026 World Cup.

"The 24-year-old defender has not recovered sufficiently from a groin injury to take part in the World Cup in a medically responsible manner. In consultation with the medical staff, it has therefore been decided that Timber will leave the national team's pre-camp in New York after the game against Uzbekistan. We're with you, Jurrien."

Reports have linked Newcastle United with Spanish winger Victor Munoz as a replacement for Anthony Gordon this summer, but the club are set to face competition from local rivals Sunderland.

Football Espana editor Ruairidh Barlow, has told BBC Radio Newcastle what the clubs could expect from the 22-year-old if they come out on top.

"He has blistering pace, that's the first and foremost thing about Victor Munoz," Barlow said. "I think if you're an opposition manager that's the first thing you will think of - how do I deal with him? How do I legislate for trying to stop him getting into space and getting a run at my defenders?

"He made his senior debut for Real Madrid [in 2025] and the first thing that he did was break through the Barcelona defence. He did miss his big chance in El Clasico but it was a sign of things to come because last season he moved to Osasuna, he's had a very impressive campaign and he's an agile, fast winger who usually plays out wide but has been playing through the middle at times as well.

"He's been a problem for most defences that he's faced."

He added: "Ultimately he's been one of the revelations for the La Liga season overall. He's obviously made it into the Spain squad both in the March international break and now for the World Cup which shows you that he's a player that brings something different.

"He's a player that I think there's no easy way to stop him and his one-on-one ability is really what has made him stand out."

Click play above to hear the full clip or listen on BBC Sounds here

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.

Image source, Getty Images

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

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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Image source, Getty Images

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

Image source, Getty Images

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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