Pre-season is completed and the countdown to the 2025-26 season is on.
It's been a busy summer at the Stadium of Light with several new faces to bolster Regis le Bris' squad for the Premier League return.
The Black Cats start the season at home on Saturday - but are they ready?
Sunderland have enquired about signing 26-year-old English defender Lloyd Kelly, who has just joined Juventus on an obligation-to-buy move after an initial loan from Newcastle United. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesSunderland's pre-season campaign ended with a 3-0 defeat against La Liga side Rayo Vallecano at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
The Black Cats end the summer with two wins from eight friendlies, with five defeats and one draw.
Image source, Getty ImagesSunderland stepped up their pre-season preparations with a 1-0 win over Bundesliga side Augsburg in Germany.
New signing Habib Diarra scored the only goal early on with a low strike from the edge of the box before Eliezer Mayenda skied a penalty just minutes later.
Fellow summer signing addition Robin Roefs then saved an Augsburg spot-kick before Granit Xhaka hit a free-kick against the crossbar after the break.
The Black Cats will now face La Liga side Rayo Vallecano on Sunday in their final pre-season match before their Premier League campaign begins next weekend.
Jordan Butler
BBC Sport journalist
Eliezer Mayenda's five-year contract is a reflection of his rapid improvement over the last year and those at the club believe the talented Spain Under-21 international is yet to reach his ceiling.
"We are delighted with Eliezer's progress throughout the past two years," said Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman.
"Whether you're a supporter, a member of staff, or a team-mate, it's been immensely rewarding to follow and support his development to this point."
Image source, Getty ImagesThe 20-year-old forward's breakthrough season culminated in Premier League promotion and his 76th-minute equaliser against Sheffield United at Wembley was a huge moment in the club's recent history.
It also means he is the third-youngest player to score in a second tier play-off final after Leicester's Julian Joachim in 1993 and his then team-mate Tommy Watson, who snatched the late winner in May.
Mayenda was one of the standout young attackers in last season's Championship and his total 10 league goals was only bettered by Millwall's Mihailo Ivanovic for players under the age of 21.
In addition to that, only three under-21 players were responsible for more progressive carries than Mayenda's 183 – with one of those his former colleague Jobe Bellingham – and nobody completed more dribbles.
Image source, Opta
You have been sharing your stories and photos about why you love Sunderland.
Here is a final selection of your submissions, but do make sure you scroll down this page to see all the best responses from throughout the week:
Milo: I love the club because it's made the North East my home. I'm originally from Essex and initially came to the North East to study. A mate took me along to Sunderland and I was hooked. I love the city and the people, and the club that those two things have built. I've had a season ticket for a number of years and still feel the thrill every time Dance Of The Knights echoes through the stadium like a call to be a part of something greater than yourself. We've seen tough times through and this season we've got the reward we deserved. Whatever happens from here is only the beginning of a new era.
David: As a very young lad I supported Manchester City and my favourite player was Colin Bell. That was until the 1973 FA Cup replay at Roker Park which was my first live game. We all know what happened - voted the best ever game at Roker Park in its 99-year history and that was my first ever match. I also remember getting home (Haydon Bridge) late at night and the match was on TV, in black and white! Some 52 years and several children later, I'm still a red and white.
Clara: I blame my dad. My first game - I was four and it was Sheffield Wednesday, a 1-0 victory. We moved a lot when I was young and Sunderland was the constant. Even when we were too far away to go to games, Sunderland was always on, with my dad alternating between screaming in joy or with his head in his hands. We'd try to get to a couple games a season, and it always felt like home. Even as I have moved away myself, I know wherever my dad is, he's watching too!
Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesSunderland are in advanced talks about signing defender Arthur Masuaku on a two-year deal.
The 31-year-old is a free agent after leaving Besiktas in the summer following a three year spell in Turkey following his move from West Ham in 2022.
The left-back made 128 appearances in all competition when playing for West Ham.
The Congo international is expected to complete a move to the newly-promoted Black Cats with a medical still to be completed.
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on striker Eliezer Mayenda signing a new long-term contract that will commit him to the club until 2030.
Here are some of your comments:
Frank: Mayenda is a flourishing gem, his speed and power make him ideal for the Premier League. He just needs some rough edges rubbed off.
James: He was instrumental in our promotion campaign last season - still so young and improving all the time. Don't even think we've seen the best of him yet.
Ann: Great news. So pleased he and other players want to commit themselves to Sunderland! Can't wait to see all these keen players in the Premier League.
Steve: In my opinion, this is a mistake. I hope I'm proved wrong but his level of skill and composure at the point of finishing is below what it should be for a player of his age who aspires to be of Premier League class.
Lars: Mayenda is a phenomenal, raw talent. His speed on the ball is incredible and he often takes the play from his own half into the opposition box, scoring crucial goals. He has a true striker's focus and ability. The recruitment team at Sunderland have unearthed several rough diamonds but I reckon that Mayenda shines brightest, as this five year contract shows.
This week, we are asking you to share your stories and photos for why you fell in love with Sunderland.
Here is a selection of your submissions:
David: As a very young lad, I supported Manchester City and my favourite player was Colin Bell. That was until the 1973 FA Cup replay at Roker Park. We all know what happened - voted the best ever game at Roker Park in its 99-year history and that was my first ever match! I also remember getting home (Haydon Bridge) late at night and the match was on TV, in black and white. Fifty two years and several children later, I am still a red and white.
Michael: I was taken to my first Sunderland match at 10 years old, against Liverpool when we were beaten 2-0. I was in the Fulwell End with my older cousin and I can't ever forget that day as a small boy trying to get a decent view, brilliant memory. And peanuts - tanner a bag.
Love the club with an ache of pride.
Philip: I was brought up as a Sunderland supporter because my Dad was, even though I was born in Middlesbrough. I moved from living in Shropshire to Sunderland in 2022 and now go to games with my family who moved to Sunderland in 2020. I am excited about the forthcoming season. H'way the Lads.
Talfan: Brought up in Darlington, My first job was in Newton Aycliffe with guys from Ferryhill, Trimdon, and Spennymoor. Wild Friday nights in Chilton followed. I had found my people!
Sunderland supporters all and Sunderland from then on.
Send us your pictures and stories here
Image source, Getty ImagesSunderland striker Eliezer Mayenda has signed a new long-term contract that will commit him to the club until 2030.
The 20-year-old, who signed from Sochaux in July 2023, scored 10 goals last season and helped the Black Cats seal their return to the Premier League with goals in the play-off semi-final and final.
"I'm very happy to sign a new contract," Mayenda said. "I think everybody knows that for me, this is my team, my club, my city – so it's a special moment.
"Sunderland fans are very, very special. I think they're among the best in England. Playing at the Stadium of Light is always incredible.
"So, if I have one message, it's to keep going like that. I feel amazing every time I step on the pitch."
How important is this news for Sunderland?
How do you think he will fare in the Premier League?
Image source, Getty ImagesSunderland have signed teenage Chelsea forward Marc Guiu on a season-long loan.
The Spaniard, now 19, moved to Stamford Bridge for £5m from Barcelona in July 2024 and made 16 appearances last season, scoring six goals in the Conference League.
Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle, former Black Cats striker Marco Gabbiadini said loan deals of this ilk have worked well for the club in the past.
He said: "There's been a lot of interest from other clubs, bit of a buzz about him. He's clearly not someone with a proven track record, but teams have been monitoring him for many a year.
"Now he needs to prove himself and make the step up to being a regular starter in the Premier League to further his career.
"It's a player who will come with good motivation, and we've seen in the past it's the type of deal Sunderland have benefited from. I hope this is the same case.
"He's a big, powerful player, someone with a good physical presence, which is something we need to improve on at the club.
"We don't know too much about him, but I hope he comes in and makes himself popular with the fans."
Listen to the full clip on BBC Sounds
Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Danielle Sarver CoombsWhen it comes to our love for a football club, the answer to why we do lies in "both psychological and societal" reasons.
In the first part of her chat with BBC Sport, researcher and co-writer of the Routledge Handbook of Sport Fans and Fandom Danielle Sarver Coombs spoke about the part that identity and tradition play.
And yet when we are caught up in the emotions of a tough defeat or nerves of an important match, we can often ask why we put ourselves through it.
"There are psychological processes at work and physiological ones in terms of how we respond and engage," Sarver Coombs said.
"An example that I always give is when I take the train to work, I go past Arsenal's stadium and I feel literally nothing other than: 'Oh, that's a big building'. Whereas on a train to Manchester, I went by Villa Park and my heart started pounding. I got all excited and was trying to take pictures out the window.
"I had a visceral reaction to this place. We can't pretend we don't have that sort of physical reaction because we do.
"When someone is talking about a controversial decision and I feel myself getting wound up, even though I intellectually know that I can't control it and that it's just a game, my body doesn't know that.
"My gut doesn't know that and so I have this really emotional response and we can't control that."
A 2023 book titled 'Football on the brain: why minds love sport, external' suggests it comes down to 'an understandable and logical consequence of the human mind's natural inclination to find meaning through beliefs... It's a religion as far as the brain is concerned'.
But it not just about what is going on inside the mind but outside influences too.
"There is a sociological element to it because the community part is such a huge driver and benefit for us," Sarver Coombs explains.
"Sociologically, we are driven to be part of communities. We are driven to find our groups that we can be members of. Sport provides a way to do that - this sense that I was chosen to be part of this community and it's something bigger than I am."
As the game expands, unrest among supporters seems to be increasing, but how does that impact this ingrained love for a club?
"You always go through these cycles when the game is changing," Sarver Coombs said.
"Despite all the changes, the traditions remain so strong and it's such a huge draw that it becomes really hard to actually separate yourself from it. Even if you do, it tends to be a short-term separation. You get sucked back in because something happens.
"People don't want that change, but then we adapt to it and continue moving forward."
Browse this page to see lots of fan stories for how you fell in love with your club.
And check out those from other Premier League teams over here
Image source, Getty ImagesStriker Marc Guiu has said sees his time at Sunderland as "a huge opportunity" after sealing a season-long loan move from Chelsea.
The 19-year-old Barcelona academy graduate scored six goals in 16 appearances for Enzo Maresca's side after arriving from the La Liga giants for £5m last summer.
He becomes the Black Cats' ninth signing of the transfer window.
"I'm feeling great and really looking forward to the season ahead," Guiu told Sunderland club media.
"I see myself as a powerful striker who can make a difference on and off the ball, and I pride myself on being a natural goalscorer.
"This year is a huge opportunity for me to help take this team where it truly deserves to be."
Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman added: "In a loan acquisition, we not only have to convince the player but also the parent club, and we thank Chelsea for placing their trust in us.
"Most importantly, Marc wanted to come to Sunderland and be a part of our club. The competition for his signature was significant and he had many high-quality options.
"Marc's a progressive striker who has key attributes that align with the role in our team."
This week, we are asking you to share your stories and photos for why you fell in love with Sunderland.
Here is a selection of your submissions:
Colin: In 2001, I got the chance to live the dream and sign for my beloved club, winning a competition they ran called 'one of the lads' to help launch the new Sunderland website. My nickname was Magic Cosha.
I was unveiled on Sky Sports with Peter Reid by my side, went on Soccer AM, got to socialise and train with the players. My squad number was 73. It was an incredible year.
Send us your pictures and stories here
Dan and Mandy: Myself and my mother-in-law have been lifelong Sunderland fans. Since her husband passed away, we managed to get season tickets where they used to sit years ago in the North Stand.
The past eight years have been a bumpy road from minus four degrees on a cold Tuesday night to get beaten by Oxford, to the dizzy heights of Wembley cup success and promotion. We're in it 'til the end!
Joshua: Our final season in the Premier League, my mother took me to games and the team was awful to watch. One time, I fell asleep in the stadium. After another relegation, I almost lost interest in football until Kyril took over the club. Afterwards, I saw us promoted to the Championship and I knew the Black Cats would roar again in the Premier League.
After the greatest play-off campaign of all time, I am looking forward to the relegation fight in the top flight and believe the team is good enough after a great summer transfer window. I won't fall asleep this season!
Opta's Supercomputer has once again predicted the upcoming 2025-26 Premier League season by using a model to simulate every match 10,000 times.
Image source, OptaAfter only happening once in Premier League history beforehand, and not since 1997-98, all three promoted teams have gone straight back down in each of the past two seasons.
Unsurprisingly then, Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland are ranked as the likeliest trio to be relegated by the Supercomputer's model next year - with the Black Cats the only team notto win the title in any of the supercomputer's 10,000 simulations.
Championship play-off winners Sunderland are also relegated the most often of all 20 teams, going down in 66.4% of simulations.
Their fellow Premier League newboys are actually deemed to survive slightly more often than not, with Daniel Farke's side going down in 48.1% of sims, while Scott Parker's Clarets doing so in 45.9%.
As for Wolves, they had a dismal start to last season but improved significantly once Vitor Pereira arrived. Losing Matheus Cunha is a big blow however, and the Old Gold are fourth favourites to go down according to the supercomputer - doing so in 26.4% of sims.
Similarly, Graham Potter's West Ham have sold a key player this summer after Mohammed Kudus switched to Tottenham.
Potter will back himself to get a better tune out of his side after his first pre-season with them, but West Ham are still relegated in 22% of simulations.
Sunderland are keen to sign former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer, although the 28-year-old Englishman wants to wait to see if any other Premier League clubs are interested. (Talksport), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column
This week, we are asking you to share your stories and photos for why you fell in love with Sunderland.
Here is a selection of your submissions:
Brian: I love Sunderland AFC with a passion. I'm a season ticket holder and an extremely keen collector of anything SAFC memorabilia including signed merchandise. I absolutely love the club and was born and bred in the city of Sunderland.
I'm 41 years old and my oldest memory is being at Roker Park with my dad and grandad at around six or seven years old watching a game that included Gary Bennett, Eric Gates and Marco Gabbiadini all playing, and my ears ringing for hours after the game from that famous Roker Roar.
The atmosphere was electric and it still is at the Stadium of Light. I'm proud to be part of it as one of those voices cheering on the lads
Andrew: Growing up in west Cumbria where rugby league ruled, I never really had a football team, but I happened to be a student in Sunderland when they played and won an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea in 1992.
I was at a house party where the majority were listening to the match on the radio. As soon as Gordon Armstrong's header went in the whole place erupted.
I've been addicted ever since.
Patrick: Ever since my grandad took me to my first game against Manchester City on 3 November 1990, sitting in the Clock Stand, I have never looked back. So many ups and downs over the years but so many great memories. Now it's my turn to share the special moments with my son. What a club!
Send us your pictures and stories here
Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images'Why did you fall in love with your club?'
This week, we have asked hundreds of football fans across the world that very question and got hundreds of different answers.
Yes, the themes might be similar - born near a ground; family supported the team; watched a certain player - but the individual story will be unique to each supporter.
The relationship between a fan and their club should not be underestimated, with people ploughing uncountable amounts of money, time and emotional energy into their support for their team.
But what is that makes us love our clubs the way we do?
"A lot of it comes down to our identity," researcher and co-writer of the Routledge Handbook of Sport Fans and Fandom Danielle Sarver Coombs told BBC Sport.
"We become part of this group that means so much to us. It becomes a way to find a community that you're a part of and to find a group of people that, no matter where you are, you could find a pub with other fans of your team. You have that kinship.
"In a world that's increasingly quite lonely, this provides one of the ways that we can have connections so we can have the feeling that we're part of something bigger."
Connection and identity plays a big role in someone's love for their club - particularly when it is a family link.
Many fans talk of being born into who they support - that the connection is so strong there was no other team they could, or would, have chosen.
"The great thing with football is that there's such a strong heritage component to it," Sarver Coombs said. "Often, your grandfather, father, mother or whomever was a fan of the team, so it's part of your family's tradition.
"It's handed down from generation to generation."
The uniqueness of football fandom is something researchers are increasingly investigating.
An article, external published earlier this year in psychology journal Frontiers discusses how football fans often follow follow teams with 'significant attachment and commitment, sometimes to the bewilderment of those outside of the game'.
"With football clubs, you have decades of tradition that you can tap into and it's going to keep coming," Sarver Coombs added.
"Players come and go, managers come and go, shirts change, badges change, but the club itself - the heart and soul of it remains constant. You always have that piece that you're tied to, so the longevity of clubs is a really important part.
"But also, that constant in-person opportunity to be present in a community space really sets football apart from other passions that may be transient or do not have that constant engagement."
Image source, Getty ImagesRegis le Bris' new contract "protects" Sunderland going forward, says former striker Marco Gabbiadini.
Le Bris signed a new three-year deal on Monday as the Black Cats continue preparations for their return to the Premier League.
The Frenchman has been with the club just over 12 months and brought success in his first season in charge by winning the Championship play-off final and ensuring top-flight football returns to the Stadium of Light after an eight-year absence.
"All positive. It has been a positive summer of transactions so it follows the trend," Gabbiadini told BBC Radio Newcastle.
"It protects the club. You see the likes of a Spurs or a West Ham and those sorts of clubs, if they have a slow start they are always in the hunt for any up and coming talent and he would fit that bill.
"So it protects the club that we have got him under contract and also rewards him I'm sure for his success with the club last season.
"There is still no doubt in my mind it is going to be a very difficult season and it will be interesting to see how that progresses. We see so often newly promoted teams changing their manager after a slow start to the campaign but hopefully Sunderland are a little bit more patient and little more considered in the way that we do that.
"Hopefully we look forward to a real calm time with the manager because we have been through a lot over the past seven or eight years."
