The Sunderland Season Forecast from FourFourTwo has arrived: Will the Black Cats manage to stay afloat in the Premier League following their eight-year absence?
FourFourTwo’s Sunderland Season Preview
FFT’s view
The Plan
Once the thrill of their exciting play-off final triumph against Sheffield United had calmed down, the question for Sunderland became whether, and to what extent, to modify their youth-focused recruitment strategy. Through this strategy, they’ve nurtured some of English football’s most promising talents and achieved a surprising promotion.
LAST SEASON
CHAMPIONSHIP 4th
FA CUP Third Round
LEAGUE CUP First Round
TOP SCORER (ALL COMPS) Wilson Isidor (13)
However, this progression is the most challenging in global football, and apart from Enzo Le Fee, nobody in the squad has experience in a top-tier division. New expertise is essential, and technical director Kristjaan Speakman has mentioned the need for a shift. They will have learned from 2016-17, when David Moyes brought in five of his former Everton players and Sunderland were relegated.
The Coach
It took Sunderland four months to secure a replacement for Mick Beale, and it was time well spent. Having cultivated talent at Lorient, Regis Le Bris is a superb fit for this youthful team: composed, balanced, and capable of filtering out distractions, even during a streak of five consecutive losses.
Key Player
European analysts praised the January acquisition of Enzo Le Fee, initially on a loan basis, and a 3-2 victory at Middlesbrough demonstrated the reasons why. Boasting remarkable technical skill and a passion for inventive flair, he is a delight to watch and also willing to make a tackle.
Lesson From Last Year
Progress and effectiveness are not mutually exclusive. Sunderland’s approach was questioned when they ended up in 16th place in 2023-24 because of a perceived imbalance of youthfulness and experience, but giving Dan Neil, Chris Rigg, Jobe Bellingham, and others early exposure helped them achieve success a year later.
FFT’S SEASON PREVIEW
This preview originally appeared in FourFourTwo’s Season Preview issue which went on sale in July, available here with free delivery
Although young teams can be associated with vulnerability, the Black Cats’ youngsters didn’t just lie down – they conceded fewer than one goal per match and received the fifth-most yellow cards in the league. They will now face tougher opponents, but don’t dismiss these spirited felines: determined players like Luke O’Nien, Dennis Cirkin, and Trai Hume will compete relentlessly.
The Mood
Excitement. Although Sunderland are not a small club, their eight-year absence from the highest level, along with a more appealing strategy, gives their return a unique charm.
The One To Watch
Dan Neil. The former England U20 player, now 23, took on more responsibility last season, not just as the team’s captain but also as a deep-lying midfielder tasked with protecting the defense – despite initially being known as an inventive No.8 – due to the progress of others. He improved with immense resolve.
Most Likely To…
Generate nine figures in player sales in 2026. Nowadays, teams will pay a premium for potential, and the Black Cats possess as much of it as anyone. They’ve already gained £10m from Brighton for Tommy Watson (who scored the decisive goal at Wembley in just his 24th senior appearance) and £28m-plus from Borussia Dortmund for Bellingham.
Least Likely To…
Excel at a noughties football trivia contest. Rigg, for example, was born a week after Sunderland last achieved promotion from the Championship in 2006-07. “Nominate O’Nien…”
FFT Verdict
19TH The acquisition of Habib Diarra, a club-record signing, is a significant boost in midfield, but inexperience and lack of familiarity could prove costly.
The Number Cruncher
The Fan View
FourFourTwo asked Michael Potts whether there is reason to maintain optimism on Wearside after an encouraging summer…
Last season was peculiar – consistently within the top four [4th continuously from November through to May] despite a late-season slump in our performance. We changed gears to secure victory in the play-offs.
The main topic of conversation is how we will utilize our financial rewards. The play-off final XI had a total cost of less than £10m; what can we achieve with £100m?
I won’t be satisfied unless we make a genuine effort.
The current player I’d most like to see return is Amad Diallo. Welcome back, dear player.
Keep an eye out for Chris Rigg, who had participated in over 60 Championship matches by age 17. He could prosper further with enhanced quality around him in the Premier League.
I’m least looking forward to playing Manchester United. Relegation six-pointers are always stressful.
A social media account worth following is Roker Report.
Fans believe our manager is capable of creating customized strategies to combat any opposition, even if his style of play isn’t always attractive.
Fans think our owner is beginning to demonstrate his capabilities. Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has made errors, but the club’s overall path is undeniably positive. We acquire young players, have faith in them, develop them, sell one or two for a significant profit, and then repeat this process.
The one adjustment I would make is to relocate away supporters to the lower seating area to improve the environment. We struggle to hear you up there.
We will conclude in 17th place, following a significant struggle. Our starting eleven is eager, developing, and they excel in important matches.
This preview originally appeared in FourFourTwo’s Season Preview issue which went on sale in July, available here with free delivery
