Last Pundit Standing - finding the BBC's next football expertpublished at 17:47 8 July
17:47 8 July
Media caption,
The BBC's search to find a new football expert is under way, with 12 content creators competing in Last Pundit Standing to win a role as BBC Sport's next football content creator.
The first two episodes of the show - co-hosted by former Watford captain Troy Deeney and YouTuber and football presenter James Allcott - are available to watch on iPlayer, as well as BBC Sport's YouTube channel and TikTok account, with new episodes every week until 11 August.
The contestants, who were chosen from more than 400 applicants, will be whittled down through a series of tasks staged at iconic football locations as the creators are challenged by some of the biggest names in the game.
'I want to make people happy' - Reinildo on Black Cats switchpublished at 17:45 8 July
17:45 8 July
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New signing Reinildo Mandava says he "can't wait to play for a historic club like Sunderland" after his move from Atletico Madrid was confirmed.
The 31-year-old has signed a two-year deal at the Stadium of Light following the expiry of his contract at the end of Atletico's recent Club World Cup campaign.
"It is a dream come true because it has always been my ambition to play in the Premier League – and I can't wait to play for an historic club like Sunderland," the left-back said on his arrival.
"I'm excited to meet the team, to fight, and to give everything for the club. I want to help, to give power to my team-mates, and transmit my experience in the dressing room. Above all else, I want to make people happy and I will give everything to make that happen."
Reinildo made 99 appearances for Diego Simeone's side after joining from Lille in 2022 and has earned 35 caps for the Mozambique national team.
Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman added: "We've had to be patient to finalise this transfer due to his involvement in the Club World Cup, but we're delighted to welcome Reinildo to Wearside.
"We feel he's an ideal profile for our full-back position and his experience is a perfect fit for our squad composition. He's shown a real desire to join our club throughout our discussions, and to be the first Mozambican to play in the Premier League.
"He's highly motivated by this challenge and he has a personality I'm sure our supporters will connect with, so we are looking forward to welcoming him to Sunderland later this month."
Gossip: Sunderland in race for El Aynaoui published at 07:51 8 July
07:51 8 July
Sunderland are among the clubs showing interest in Lens midfielder Neil El Aynaoui, but face competition from Premier League rivals Leeds United and Wolves - as well as European heavyweights Roma, Juventus and AC Milan - for the 24-year-old Moroccan. (Footmercato - in French), external
Sunderland signing Sadiki 'passes the eye test'published at 09:54 7 July
09:54 7 July
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BBC Radio Newcastle spoke to football consultant and podcaster Scott Coyne about what fans can expect from Sunderland's latest addition, 20-year-old Noah Sadiki.
"A really exciting young player, really fit," Coyne said. "You might look at Noah's stats and think: 'I'm not quite sure I see anything here', but he's a player who very much passes the eye test rather than necessarily the stats test.
"His overall contribution is important – his pace, and his physicality - and he's a really mature player for his age as well. I think he's going to add a lot to the squad. He's a really exciting player."
Sadiki was part of the Union Saint-Gilloise side that won the Belgian league last season and has already racked up more than 100 senior appearances, despite his tender age.
"He's a very composed young player," Coyne added. "He tends to make good choices with his passing and that tells us he's ahead of his development for his age. Stepping up to the Premier League now is just going to push that development to another stage.
"He's very versatile player and can play as an attacking midfielder, a defensive midfielder and on the right wing as well so there's a number of options.
"One thing he does well is switch very quickly between defensive aspects and offensive roles. He's stoic at breaking up the play and his ball recovery [is good] as well. All of that is going to suit the intense nature of the Premier League."
'Charlie Hurley number one by a distance' - fans on best CBs debatepublished at 19:01 4 July
19:01 4 July
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We asked for your views on Danny Collins' list of the top five Sunderland centre-backs of the past 50 years (scroll to 12:26 BST on 4 July to see his choices).
Here are some of your comments:
Paul: How could any Sunderland supporter leave out Charlie Hurley? Number one by a distance.
Frank: Dave Watson and Charley Hurley were both phenomenal centre-backs. None of the others could compare - apart from Steve Bould (who was there with them), but there were not enough games under his belt.
John: Absolutely agree. Watson was not the biggest player, but for timing, athleticism and a sheer will to win every header and tackle, I've never seen a better one. Hurley may win it by the number of goals scored. You should have been at the matches to hear the whole crowd chanting "Charlie, Charlie, Charlie" for him to come up for a corner.
Colin: Really depends on how old you are, but Hurley was the best centre-half to play for Sunderland that I saw. Watson was great too.
Steve: King Charlie wasn't someone you would like to experience too often in a tussle.
Paul: Shaun Elliott and Jeff Clarke?
'What convinced me was the project' - Sadikipublished at 17:50 4 July
17:50 4 July
Image source, Getty Images
New Sunderland signing Noah Sadiki says his experience of winning silverware in Belgium with Union Saint-Gilloise have "shaped" him before he embarks on the challenge of playing in the Premier League.
The 20-year-old DR Congo midfielder was part of the Union SG team that won the 2024 Belgian Cup before playing 29 times last season as the club ended their 90-year wait to win the Belgian Pro League title.
"Union SG has brought me a lot and it's thanks to them that I am here right now.
"I want to thank them and wish them all the luck in the Champions League. This team deserves it 90 years after winning the title.
"I am now ready for a new challenge."
Sadiki also revealed a conversation with Black Cats boss Regis le Bris played a key role in making the move happen.
"I talked with him and he convinced me to come to Sunderland," he added. "These kinds of people like to get involved a lot. I look forward to working with him because his playing style fits my style of play.
"What convinced me was the project that they had for me. The owner wanted to talk to me after the research they had done on me.
"Sunderland is a big club in England. I'm really happy to have made my decision. They talked to me about their history and what they wanted to build. This is my team now."
Sunderland's sporting director added: "Noah's enjoyed a great level of experience at a relatively young age, and alongside his drive to improve, this makes him an exciting addition to our squad.
Our interest in acquiring his talents was long-standing, and we believe our culture and playing identity will enable him to thrive."
Is converted striker Watson Sunderland's best centre-back?published at 12:26 4 July
12:26 4 July
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We have been revealing former Sunderland defender Danny Collins' top-five Black Cats central defenders of the past 50 years.
Taking top spot is Dave Watson, who played for the club between 1970 and 1975 after a £100,000 move from Rotherham United.
Watson began his career as a striker but was converted into a centre-back while at Sunderland in 1972 by manager Bob Stokoe, before winning the FA Cup in 1973.
"It's difficult but one of them was part of a trophy-winning team," Collins told BBC Radio Newcastle.
"Watson got converted from an attacking player to a centre-back and a year later was winning the FA Cup against a Leeds side who were right up there at the time," said Collins.
"He's gone in there and learned his new position within a season and it shows how good he was that he went on to make 65 appearances for England."
Watson did not miss a Three Lions match between 1976 and 1980 and featured in all matches at Euro 1980.
Here's a recap of Collins' five best centre-backs to play for Sunderland:
Sunderland launch away kitpublished at 11:05 4 July
11:05 4 July
Image source, Sunderland AFC
Sunderland have unveiled their 2025-26 away shirt as the club prepares for life in the Premier League.
The club said the shirt is inspired by the 1989-91 away kid, nodding to "an unforgettable era for the Lads".
The club said: "Paying tribute to Sunderland's proud maritime identity, the kit features a bespoke pattern inspired by the view of the Roker Beach lighthouse from through the 'C' Sculpture, woven into the fabric to reflect the city's deep connection to the sea.
"'City by the Sea' is stitched into the back of the neck, while the inside collar features a poetic nod to our coastal home with lyrics from The Lake Poets:
"'Yes, I come from a city by the sea
"and its shores and its waters
"have become a part of me'"
Image source, Sunderland AFC
The countdown - Sunderland's best centre-backpublished at 09:55 4 July
09:55 4 July
Image source, Getty Images
Throughout Friday, we are revealing former Sunderland defender Danny Collins' top five Black Cats central defenders of the past 50 years.
In third place, Collins chose Steve Bould, who spent a season at the club from 1999-200 after 11 distinguished and trophy-laden years at Arsenal.
"I know he didn't play too many games and came in at 36-years-old but Sunderland were back in the Premier League and secured a good, solid seventh-placed finish. He was a classy player and maybe would have doubted himself after so long at Arsenal.
"He was brilliant but only played 23 games, which is why we're looking at the other two."
Taking the silver medal is Gary Bennett, who made almost 450 appearances between 1984 and 1995 for the club, placing him fifth on the club's all-time appearance list.
"Longevity - 443 games. Goalscoring centre back who chipped in after scoring on his debut. I didn't see too much of Benno but by all accounts he was a modern centre back in the way he stepped in on the ball. He could drive forward, was quick and ticked a lot of boxes.
"He's on one of the staircases [at the Stadium of Light]. I see him every time I'm at one of the games. The achievements and longevity is amazing."
Or come back later on Friday to discover who Collins considers the best centre-back to play for Sunderland.
Collins selects Sunderland top fivepublished at 07:37 4 July
07:37 4 July
Image source, Getty Images
Throughout Friday, we will be revealing former Sunderland defender Danny Collins' top five Black Cats central defenders of the past 50 years.
In fifth place, Collins has opted for current player Dan Ballard, who was the goalscoring hero in last season's dramatic play-off win over Coventry City.
"You see what he brings to the team," said Collins.
"Big call to bring him back in against Coventry and he was outstanding, best player on the pitch for the two games, and again outstanding at Wembley in the final. Old school, rugged centre-back. I like watching him out there."
Since joining Sunderland from Arsenal in July 2022, the 25-year-old has made 89 appearances, and fought back from a hamstring injury late in the season to play a key role in the successful play-off campaign.
Jonny Evans, who had two loan spells at the Stadium of Light from Manchester United between 2006 and 2008. was selected in fourth place.
"I had the pleasure of playing aside him and even at that age, the composure of the young lad coming in was impressive," Collins said on Evans.
"Then he came back in the season after we got promoted and progressed. The club were looking to buy him but United could see he was a player and kept him and he won numerous trophies and won 107 caps for Northern Ireland.
Or come back later on Friday to discover who Collins considers the best centre-backs to play for Sunderland.
Sunderland's new director Ghisolfi has 'glowing reputation in football' published at 12:59 3 July
12:59 3 July
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BBC Radio Newcastle's Simon Pryde has been discussing what Sunderland's new director of football Florent Ghisolfi will bring to the Stadium of Light, and how his responsibilities will differ to current sporting director Kristjaan Speakman.
Ghisolfi, 40, left a position as sporting director at AS Roma last month before taking the role at Sunderland, which he will begin on Thursday.
"Kristjaan Speakman covers a lot of bases," Pryde said, "He's in overall control of everything that goes on in the football club. From the academy, to the first team, to the strategy that Kyril Louis-Dreyfus [the chairman] wants to implement.
"I think Ghisolfi will be on recruitment. His umbrella will be over player recruitment and the first team squad. Speakman has a wide brief at the moment and this will allow him to focus because the structures in the Premier League are vastly different than those in the EFL. [There are] a lot more hoops to jump through and lot more administration.
"Ghisolfi has plenty of experience. [He was] assistant manager at Lorient for two years. [As a football director] he's been at Lens and he's been at Nice so he has a glowing reputation within football as a director."
Gossip: Sunderland miss out on Bulkapublished at 07:29 3 July
07:29 3 July
Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka, 25, is set to join Saudi Arabian side Neom, despite Sunderland having a £12.8m bid accepted for the Poland international. (Meczyki - in Polish), external
Finally, Sunderland are also nearing the capture of Union Saint-Gilloise's DR Congo player Noah Sadiki, 20, who can play in defence or midfield. (Sunderland Echo), external
'An exciting new chapter' - Sunderland appoint new director of footballpublished at 18:24 2 July
18:24 2 July
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Sunderland chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus says the appointment of Florent Ghisolfi as the club's new director of football "enhances our capabilities".
Ghisolfi, 40, left a role as sporting director at AS Roma last month and Sunderland say his appointment is part of the "organic evolution of SAFC's long-term strategy".
Ghisolfi, who was previously sporting director at Ligue 1 sides Lens and Nice in France, said: "The club – players, staff, and supporters – achieved an amazing result last season.
"Together, these people brought Sunderland back to the Premier League and I'm strongly determined to bring my experience and support this group to ensure the squad is ready to take the next step.."
Owner Louis-Dreyfus said Sunderland "face a new challenge" after sealing promotion to the Premier League and believes Ghisolfi is part of their adapting to increased demands.
"The appointment of Florent marks an exciting new chapter in that journey," Louis-Dreyfus said. "[It] enhances our capabilities in line with the club's long-term vision, and evolving our leadership structure in this way reflects our continued commitment to building a sustainable and competitive football club."
A 'great signing' or a 'wasted windfall'? Fans on Diarra signingpublished at 14:12 2 July
Here's a selection of what you said about the midfielder:
Glyn: Looks a good signing on paper - young but experienced in Ligue 1. Are there some older hands who are going to be out of contract at Premier League clubs? Some bargains to be had?
Steve: The club has wasted the windfall fee received for Jobe Bellingham by spending it in its entirety on an undistinguished player who averages just one goal per 10 games.
Michael: We still need more experience in the side and squad. I would be happy if Jordan Henderson was brought back.
Paul: A great signing that shows the owners are serious about making us stronger from the off. I like the way business seems to get done without the usual is he, isn't he signing.
Leonard: What a signing indeed. Habib has it all. If we keep bringing in footballers of his calibre then I'm pretty sure we will survive in the Premier League.
'People should be excited' - why Diarra is a 'good fit' for Sunderlandpublished at 10:48 2 July
10:48 2 July
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French football expert Baptiste Reynaud has talked up Sunderland's record signing Habib Diarra as a "good fit" for the club.
The 21-year-old made 31 appearances for Strasbourg last term, helping the club to finish seventh in Ligue 1 and secure European football for only the second time in 20 years.
Reynaud, from Le Classique & Le Beau Jeu podcast, told BBC Radio Newcastle: "People should be excited. He is a full Senegalese international now.
"He's got the pedigree that makes it a very interesting signing. Also, the fact he's played for a club that's had its troubles and brushes with relegation makes him a good fit in the sense that he's used to adversity.
"What makes me particularly enthusiastic about it is he fits with the philosophy of Sunderland.
"He's played as an eight, as a 10, on the wing when necessary. At heart, he's a box-to-box midfielder, but he's also very versatile and played in a number of systems.
"He's a very adaptable player. He's young, very productive and experienced, and he's used to facing very different scenarios for his club.
"He's got resale value and strikes me as a very good signing for Sunderland."
'I'll give everything' - Sunderland complete signing of Diarrapublished at 19:15 1 July
19:15 1 July
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Midfielder Habib Diarra says he will "fight for these colours" after completing a move to Sunderland.
The 21-year-old has joined from Ligue 1 side Strasbourg on a five-year deal for a fee believed to be in the region of £30m, which would be a record signing for the Back Cats.
Diarra captained the French side throughout a successful 2024-25 campaign, which culminated in the club securing European football for only the second time in 20 years.
He made 31 appearances last term, scoring five times and registering four assists, while also surpassing 100 senior career games.
"I'm happy and excited to become a Black Cat and I can't wait to discover the Stadium of Light and its fans," the Senegal international told club media.
"Everyone saw last season's success and I guarantee that I'll give everything for this team and fight for these colours in the Premier League.
"I'm ready for this challenge and I can't wait to get started."
Diarra becomes the club's second signing of the summer as they look to bolster Regis Le Bris' squad ready for their Premier League return.
Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman added: "Habib is an exciting talent, and we are delighted to welcome him to Sunderland AFC.
"At 21, he already has more than 100 senior appearances on his resume, and he's been a captain in one of Europe's elite leagues. This underlines his undoubted quality and immense potential, and it reflects our progress and ambition that we have secured a player of his calibre.
"Like Sunderland, Habib is ready for the Premier League, and we look forward to taking this exciting step with him."
What do you make of the new signing? Is he what Sunderland need? What else do they require this summer to be ready for the top flight?
'A replacement for Bellingham'published at 19:15 1 July
19:15 1 July
Nick Barnes BBC Radio Newcastle's Sunderland commentator
Image source, Getty Images
Sunderland appear to have pulled off a coup in signing the highly-regarded Senegalese international Habib Diarra, who made his national team debut in March last year.
He has come through the Strasbourg youth system. Last season under Liam Rosenior he made 30 appearances.
He has reportedly signed for a fee rising to 35m Euros - around £30.5m - for a five-year deal.
He's being seen as a replacement for Jobe Bellingham.
Gossip: Sunderland offer contract to Mandavapublished at 07:50 30 June
07:50 30 June
Sunderland have offered Reinildo Mandava a two-year contract worth £65,000 a week following the 31-year-old Mozambique left-back's release by Atletico Madrid. (Guardian), external
Sunderland are among several Premier League clubs interested in Toulouse's 22-year-old England Under-21 centre-back Charlie Cresswell, who has an £18m release clause in his contract. (Sun), external
Gossip: Sunderland keen on Tangangapublished at 13:06 27 June
13:06 27 June
Sunderland and Wolves are keen on Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga. The Lions are resigned to losing the 26-year-old this summer, though could sell him abroad - with clubs in Germany, France and Turkey interested - as his £1.2m release clause only applies to Premier League clubs. (TeamTalk, external)
