Sunderland

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Marco Gabbiadini has been debating the role played by Wilson Isidor on BBC Radio Newcastle.

Black Cats fan Ian suggested he wasn't thrilled with Isidor's fitness levels when he starts games but he can see why his role as an impact substitute is proving successful.

Gabbiadini commented there's "nothing wrong" with being a 'super sub'.

"There's actually quite a few in the Premier League at the moment," the former striker added.

"When Isidor first came to the club he needed to improve his fitness and strength, but he's done that.

"If you can put fresh legs on, take advantage of it because you hope the centre halves just knock off for a split-second and you end up scoring a goal. Which is what we saw at the weekend."

Listen to Sunderland audio here

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Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman says he is confident the Black Cats have built a squad with "the right quality, depth and competition" for the Premier League.

"We want to make sure that every transfer deal is structured in the best terms for our football club," Speakman told BBC Radio Newcastle. "What's important for us is building a squad that has the right quality, depth and competition to make sure that we are competitive in this league. That's what we've felt we have done.

"The transfer window is one component - an opportunity to recruit players and adjust your squad, but it's also important that we are always reviewing the current group to make sure all of those contracts are in the right place.

"We've seen the benefits of doing that over the past four or five years because we have been able to trade players out. That has allowed us to be best placed for this summer and to make the moves we wanted.

"We are really pleased with the outcome. We are really pleased with the players, the mix, the balance, the alignment, the compatibility and the competition."

When asked if Sunderland will have enough squad depth during the Africa Cup of Nations, Speakman replied: "We discussed that lots as we went through the transfer window.

"The most important thing for us was getting quality in. We recognise that we are going to lose one or two players when it comes around, but that's hopefully where competition and depth comes in.

"It is a long season and we are going to be missing some players for a short period -we just have to accept that."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

On deadline day, Sunderland's three new signings made history -

A loan move for RB Leipzig's Lutsharel Geertruida, an initial £17.4m to Ajax for striker Brian Brobbey and then Bertrand Traore for a reported £2.5m.

Those purchases mean the Black Cats have spent £161.7m on transfer fees this summer - almost £20m more than any other promoted club in Premier League history.

The previous record was Nottingham Forest's £142m outlay in 2022. Aston Villa are the only other top flight arrivals to spend significantly north of £100m, having splashed out £127m in 2019.

Both Forest and Villa stayed up so their gambles proved successful, but consolidating top-flight status is harder than ever, with the gulf between the Championship and Premier League continuing to widen.

After all, in each of the previous two seasons, the three sides that came up went straight back down.

As a consequence, clubs are spending ever-increasing sums in the hope of remaining competitive despite no guarantee it will pay off.

Southampton, Ipswich and Leicester shelled out a total of £276.5m last summer but accumulated just 59 points - the lowest combined figure by promoted teams in a 38-game Premier League season.

Sunderland, Burnley and Leeds have been undeterred, spending in excess of £350m this year, and the early signs suggest they may have invested a little more shrewdly.

The trio already have 13 points on the board, the best start by promoted sides since 2016-17. Last season's newboys were still pointless at this stage, indicating it is not merely a case of how much clubs spend, but how wisely they do it.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

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Chelsea recalled Marc Guiu as their top option to address striker Liam Delap's injury.

Guiu, 19, was deemed the best loanee to lead the attack at Stamford Bridge by the Chelsea hierarchy, given his Premier League experience and understanding of manager Enzo Maresca's style of play.

There had been a period of uncertainty around Chelsea's activity after Delap suffered a serious-looking hamstring injury in the 2-0 win over Fulham.

A ripple effect across the transfer market followed, including blocking Nicolas Jackson from undergoing a medical examination at Bayern Munich and an inquiry to Sporting about striker Conrad Harder.

However, concerns about the Denmark Under-21 forward's ability to make a difference at Chelsea made him an opportunity not worth pursuing, especially as he ultimately joined RB Leipzig.

Instead, Guiu, who joined Chelsea from Barcelona in 2024 for £5m, was seen as deserving the opportunity created by Delap's injury, and his pathway should not be blocked by a new signing.

There was no recall clause in Guiu's loan agreement with Sunderland, but the two clubs' positive relationship enabled them to reach a deal, aided by a penalty clause if the young striker did not play sufficient minutes.

Chelsea also factored in Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha when making the decision.

The 22-year-old, who now captains the French club in their Ligue 1 and Conference League campaigns, is seen internally as a future Netherlands international and player capable of featuring for Chelsea or in the Premier League soon.

The decision not to sign Harder and to work with Guiu was also made with Emegha's future development in mind.

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Sunderland forward Nazariy Rusyn has completed a loan move to Arka Gdynia in the Polish top flight.

The 26-year-old joined the Black Cats from Zorya Luhansk in September 2023 and will now spend the 2025-26 season away from the Stadium of Light.

Rusyn has played 32 times for the club and scored two goals, and has also spent time of loan with Hajduk Split.

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said of the move: "At this stage of his career, it's vitally important for Naz to be playing games.

"We have worked hard to identify the right opportunity for him this season, and I know he's looking forward to the challenges ahead."

Gavin Henderson
Fan writer

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Sunderland have had the greatest transfer window in the club's history, and you won't find a single fan that argues any different.

We have made 14 signings, tied a number of promising players down to long-term deals, brought on board a new director of football, got rid of a lot of deadwood, sold some decent but not completely important players for a good profit, and now have a squad everyone feels is capable of competing in the Premier League with the other top sides at that level.

The departure of Marc Guiu was a curveball, but the club showed how well-oiled they are as a machine and we went out and signed Ajax's number nine, Brian Brobbey to fill the void.

There have been several other signings, but I won't go in depth on them - what is important is that Sunderland's owners have given us the best possible chance of staying in the Premier League, and that is all that we can ask.

I'm not really sure that, as a promoted side, things could have gone any better. Realistically, what else could you expect? They have delivered on every metric.

We have a squad which looks more than capable of competing in the top flight, and I can only imagine that many teams will not be looking forward to facing us now that we have got ourselves into adequate shape.

We are absolutely buzzing. Thank you, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, for giving our football club the best possible chance of survival by backing us in the transfer market. I rate this transfer window a 9.5/10.

Bring on the rest of this season!

Find more from Gavin Henderson at Roker Report, external

Sunderland have confirmed the signing of Bertrand Traore from Ajax.

The Burkina Faso international has signed a one-year contract at Stadium of Light, with the option of a further year.

"I'm really happy to join Sunderland," Traore said. "It's a huge club and for me, it feels great to be back in the Premier League.

"From far away, I've seen the way the team has started the season, the movements, the atmosphere around the club and everything looks positive. I'm excited to be part of this project and part of this team.

"It helps as well that I already know a few players, like Simon Adingra, and of course Brian [Brobbey], who also joined today. Having those relationships and my past experiences in England will make it easier to settle quickly.

"I'm looking forward to stepping out at the Stadium of Light and giving my best for the fans."

• Listen to BBC Radio Newcastle's Nick Barnes on Sunderland's deadline day signing on BBC Sounds

Birmingham have signed Sunderland winger Patrick Roberts on a season-long loan.

The 28-year-old moved to the Stadium of Light from Manchester City in January 2022 and helped guide the Black Cats from League One to the Premier League.

He made 147 appearances in all competitions, scoring nine goals and contributing 18 assists and came off the bench in the second half at Wembley in May as Sunderland came from behind to beat Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final.

New Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey says he is "ready for this next chapter" after completing a permanent move from Ajax.

The 23-year-old has joined on a five-year deal for a reported £21.6m fee.

Brobbey is a two-time winner of the Eredivisie with the Dutch club, and has scored 56 goals and provided 24 assists in 163 appearances for the club.

"It feels great to be a Sunderland player. I spoke with Nordi Mukiele, who I know from my time in RB Leipzig, and he told me about the club, the fans, and how it feels like a family," he told club media.

"I first talked with Sunderland over a month ago, and I have seen the stadium and the fans this season, and I can't wait to be a part of that passion.

"It's emotional to say goodbye to Ajax, as I grew up here and I'm going to miss everyone, but the Premier League is the biggest stage in the world, and I'm ready for this next chapter."

Brobbey is a Netherlands international and has played eight times for his country.

New Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida says he wants to be part of the club's Premier League "fight" this season.

The 25-year-old has completed a season-long loan deal from RB Leipzig, having made 35 appearances for the Bundesliga side last campaign.

Before that, Geertruida spent 12 years at Dutch side Feyenoord, winning the 2022-23 Eredivisie and the Dutch Cup.

"First of all, I want to thank God for this opportunity, and I also want to thank the club for their trust in me. I've always wanted to play in the Premier League, and I'm so excited now that my opportunity is here," he told club media.

"We are new to the league, so we need to fight, and I want to be a part of that. I've seen the recent games and think the group looks fresh and energetic.

"Now, I just want to be as important as possible for this club. I'm ready, and I can't wait to see the fans in the stadium."

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman added: "We are delighted that Lutsharel has joined us for the 2025-26 season.

"He was extremely motivated by our proposal from the very beginning, and the opportunity to bring such a high-calibre player to the club on loan was a perfect fit for us.

"Competition for his signature was high, but the combination of our club, city, and fanbase ultimately made the difference."

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We asked for your views on what is still needed by Sunderland on transfer deadline day.

Here are some of your comments:

Stu: All in all, I'm more than pleased with the business the club have done this summer. We look a competitive and strong Premier League side who, if we can avoid injuries, can survive comfortably. That said, I would like to see if we can add a futher forward player and the pending Lucumi deal before the deadline.

Johnathan: Another right-sided attacking midfielder similar to the mould of Enzo. Otherwise, I suspect we will become lopsided and therefore easier to counter.

Lucas: The club have been working really hard on the Lucumi deal, but I fear it may not go through in time so I hope we have a back-up lined up. Would also love to see us bring in one more experienced body, ideally up front. A Danny Welbeck return would be next level.

Jeff: A central defender and a striker with Premier League experience. No more buying in unknowns to develop and sell on at a later date. Our main priority is staying up.

Rob: At least another centre-back. Ballard is made of glass.

Today is the second transfer deadline day of the summer following a brief closure in June because of the Club World Cup.

In a change to previous windows, clubs only have until 19:00 BST to complete deals, bringing the Premier League in line with the EFL, Italy's Serie A, France's Ligue 1 and Germany's Bundesliga. The window in Scotland and Spain remains open until 23:00 BST.

It has already been a hectic window - with a number of storylines still to be resolved - but whether it turns out to be a day of transfer action or a pretty quiet one for your club, you will be able to keep across it all on BBC Sport.

Follow our live text coverage throughout the day here

Get alerts and keep up to date with all the latest news, insight and fan views for your club

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Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs praised the teams "great character" as they scored two late goals to beat Brentford at the Stadium of Light.

It is only the second time the Black Cats have won their first two home games in the Premier League, with the other occasion being in 2001-02 under Peter Reid.

"It has been a really great start," Roefs told BBC Radio Newcastle. "Before the season started, everyone would have been really happy with six points from three games.

"I am so happy that we could turn the game around and that's because we showed great character as a team.

"We are going to go game by game as everything in the Premier League is really difficult.

"We will prepare like every other game to play Crystal Palace [after the international break] because we have to be really sharp.

"Our character is our strong point as a team so we have to keep that and not take it easy because we have had a good start."

Listen to Roefs' full interview on BBC Sounds

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Sunderland and Brentford.

Here are some of your comments:

Sunderland fans

Ian: Three points for a dogged performance. Never stopped running and trying after a stalemate first half. Some new Sunderland heroes in the making.

Michael: Fantastic result even if the performance wasn't our best. The centre-backs were superb. Even though Reinildo gave away the penalty, I thought he was outstanding. Granit Xhaka, again, controlled the midfield. Six points after three games is a brilliant return.

Reece: We rode our luck at times but the team showed they have real fight in them. Excellent performance from Nordi Mukiele stepping in to cover for Dan Ballard's absence.

Ronnie: The slogan going into the play-offs last season was "'Til The End" and we embodied that in all three play-off games. Against Brentford, Sunderland provided more evidence of the refusal to give up which personifies their recent attitude. Pride in the shirt is woven into the new signings and the Stadium of Light might prove a challenging environment for some this season.

Brentford fans

George: It is hard not to fixate on the decision to hand the ball to Kevin Schade for the penalty. I imagine the intention was to boost his confidence and give him his first goal of the season, but that has now squarely backfired. I worry for his confidence going into our next game.

Andy: When you don't take the opportunities given to you in the Premier League, you get punished - and that's what happened to us.

James: Our inability to close out a game from a winning position comes to the forefront once again. Schade - to my knowledge - has never taken a penalty for us before. Why then? Igor Thiago should be the designated penalty-taker.

Paul: Poor again away from home. Such bad game management again at the end of a game. I don't know what the answer is, but I'm not looking forward to the season ahead. It's going to be a long one.

Eilidh Barbour
Final Score reporter

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Sunderland's victory over Brentford won't be described as a classic, but there is more than one way to win a game of football and a trip to the Stadium of Light isn't going to be a walk in the park this season.

There may have been misplaced passes, questionable decision-making and a lack of real potency in the final third for the home team, but they more than made up for it with determination, desire, work-rate and a vibrant, noisy home support that gets right behind their team.

Those are the qualities that got them over the line with a 95th-minute winner to make it two wins from two on their own patch.

For teams making their way to this part of the world, beware of the 12th man.

It's transfer deadline day tomorrow, with the window closing at 19:00 BST.

How would you assess your window? And if you think work still needs to be done, give us names on who should be brought in or let go.

Get in touch with your views here

Pundits Danny Murphy and Steph Houghton join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Tottenham 0-1 Bournemouth

• Man Utd 3-2 Burnley

• Leeds 0-0 Newcastle

Steve Sutcliffe
BBC Sport journalist

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Reghis le Bris will be delighted by the heart and perseverance his side showed in the closing stages of their win over Brentford.

His revamped Sunderland side enjoyed the better of the early stages with Nordi Mukiele driving a rising effort over the bar on his Premier League debut.

But despite exhibiting plenty of enterprise, that rarely translated to opportunities in front of goal.

Until Enzo le Fee's 82nd-minute penalty the hosts had managed just one shot on target, with their final ball and finishing lacking the quality and conviction to trouble Brentford.

Yet that was enough to provide the crowd with the fuel to spur their team on to a second home win of the season and deliver a valuable return of six points.

Sunderland boss Regis le Bris speaking to BBC Match of the Day after the 2-1 win over Brentford: "At the end it was emotional for Sunderland. It was the case last season and it is already this season.

"It was not an easy game. It was a bit tough and the team reacted really well."

On Wilson Isidor: "Wilson is really well connected with the club. He had a happy day yesterday and another one today and he worked so hard. He deserved this moment. He flew yesterday evening and was ready to go this morning."

On the penalties: "We still have to learn the new rules. In the boxes it is a battle on set-pieces.

"We have to understand what is allowed and what is not. The balance is positive for us."

Did you know?

• Wilson Isidor's goal on 95 minutes and 17 seconds was Sunderland's second-latest winner in the Premier League, after March 2008 against West Ham (95 minutes and 24 seconds).

• Isidor is the second Sunderland player to score in both of his first two Premier League home appearances, after Steven Fletcher in September 2012.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Sunderland's performance

What did you make of Brentford's display?

Come back to this page on Sunday to find a selection of your replies