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'Buzzing' and 'very grateful' - Ogunsuyi signs new dealpublished at 16:32 BST 13 August
16:32 BST 13 August
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Sunderland striker Trey Ogunsuyi has signed a three-year contract to keep him with his boyhood club until 2028.
The 18-year-old joined at the age of 10 and has worked through the youth sides, scoring 15 goals in 20 games across the under-18 and under-21 teams last season.
The Belgium youth international was given his senior debut by first-team head coach Regis le Bris against Stoke City in the FA Cup in January and has been involved with the squad's pre-season preparations.
"I'm buzzing to have signed a new contract," Ogunsuyi told club media. "It's always what you dream of as a Sunderland fan so when I got to play for the first team, it was surreal, so I'm very grateful."
Academy manager Robin Nicholls added: "We are excited to continue executing the plan for his development and help him towards fulfilling the potential that he is showing."
Black Cats sign defender Alderete from Getafepublished at 16:55 BST 12 August
16:55 BST 12 August
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Sunderland have signed defender Omar Alderete from Getafe on a four-year deal.
The 28-year-old made 99 appearances for the La Liga club, including 36 last season.
He has spent previous campaigns with Basel, Hertha and Valencia after moving to Europe from South America in 2019.
"I'm feeling great about signing for this great team, so I'm really happy," said Alderete. " I'm looking forward to my first experience in the Premier League – it's a great challenge for me.
"I know it's a historic club, and when they told me there was an opportunity, I was excited about coming here.
"It's always important to have the support of the people, and I'm going to give it my all on the pitch."
Sunderland appoint set-piece coachpublished at 16:53 BST 12 August
16:53 BST 12 August
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Sunderland have appointed set-piece coach James Brayne to Regis le Bris' backroom staff ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Joining from Charlton Athletic, Brayne is the latest addition to the coaching team, following the summer arrivals of assistant head coach Luciano Vulcano, assistant coach Isidre Ramon Madir, and goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler.
The set-piece specialist joined the Addicks 18 months ago and was part of the set-up that led the South-East Londoners back to the Championship via the 2024-25 EFL Play-Offs.
Brayne previously spent over a decade with Birmingham City across two spells, which were split by three years with Manchester City.
Summer signings 'bold and calculated' but 'incredibly tough season' aheadpublished at 12:50 BST 12 August
12:50 BST 12 August
Gavin Henderson Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
I'm hopeful because Sunderland have spent a lot of money on new players - and we haven't finished yet.
There is an almighty chasm between the Championship and the Premier League, so it was absolutely essential the football club spent this summer recruiting quality players who could help bridge the gap. I think we have done a very good job thus far.
The acquisition of Granit Xhaka, in particular, is startling. We are talking about a genuinely top-class midfield player who I reckon the majority of clubs in the Premier League would love to have in their squads. Yet he has come to Sunderland and is going to lead our charge as captain for the forthcoming season.
Our approach hasn't been scattergun - it has been bold and calculated. If, come the end of the season, the worst happens and we go back down, at least we can say that we gave ourselves the best possible chance of staying up by strengthening our squad.
Having said that, I'm fearful because this is a very different Premier League to the one we left behind eight years ago.
It is the fear of the unknown more than anything. Even clubs who are smaller than Sunderland are propped up by many years of Premier League TV money and have the quality at their disposal to show for it.
I don't think it is arrogant to suggest Sunderland are a bigger football club than Brentford, Brighton, Bournemouth or Fulham - among others - but it doesn't matter one bit when these clubs have spent many years now in the top flight in receipt of the riches that come with being a part of the Premier League.
The playing field has never been less equal for promoted clubs, and that has shown in the fact the past six teams to have come up from the Championship have gone straight back down.
Sunderland are out to buck that trend, but it is going to be an incredibly tough season.
We have got to be ready not only for a battle, but to lick our wounds whenever we are on the end of a tanking, which will inevitably happen a lot more to us than it ever did during our eight-year stay in the EFL.
Excluding Alderete, the Black Cats have paid out an estimated £122m on 10 players. Burnley have brought in 13 new faces at a cost of approximately £100m, while Leeds United have invested £73.5m on seven signings.
There is little doubt that consolidating top-flight status is harder than ever, with the gulf between the Championship and Premier League continuing to widen. 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, but with no guarantee it will pay off.
Southampton,Ipswich Town and Leicester City shelled out a total of £276.5m last summer but together they accumulated just 59 points, the lowest combined figure by newly promoted teams in a 38-game Premier League season.
'Most ready Sunderland have been for years to compete in Premier League'published at 17:55 BST 11 August
17:55 BST 11 August
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We asked for your views on whether Sunderland are ready for the new season.
Here are some of your comments:
Martin: The club are serious about the infrastructure as well as making high-class signings. We've come a long way from the mismanaged club that got relegated from the Premier League in 2017. Have we got what it takes to stay up? Time will tell, but at least we're giving it a go. Haway the lads!
Stu: Sunderland will be competitive this season and the new additions that have come have added further quality and, more importantly, energy and physicality. The core of the squad (15/16 players) when everyone is fit looks capable. Underneath that there are gaps. A further two or three signings would be welcome to give Regis Lle Bris the depth needed, especially over the winter. There is also the dead wood that needs moving on and expect that to be sorted soon. All positive and looking forward to the season.
Matt: The transfer business we've seen so far this summer has taken us all by surprise in the best possible way. The calibre of players we've managed to attract to the club - often in the face of direct competition from Premier League rivals - has been impressive. I think we're just two signings away from having a squad truly capable of staying up. We need more cover for left wing and we need a proven striker to bolster our options. Guiu looks like he could be a good signing, but we need another option in case he doesn't make the grade or gets injured. I'd prefer a big money signing for a player in their prime with Premier League or top-level credentials, but I'd also be happy with someone like Jamie Vardy or Dominic Calvert-Lewin if the funds aren't available for that. The players will all need time to gel with one another, of course, but I'm optimistic about how the season might pan out.
Glyn: Lots of new players signed, some from non-competitive leagues. Why didn't we sign Kyle Walker (experienced and much cheaper than Xhaka). Also why did Henderson choose Brentford? Who is going to lead and inspire the club when we've got two points after five or six games. Also, how many players are we are going to lose to Afcon? Sorry for the negativity - I do have confidence in Le Bris but where will we get the 36 points to stay up?
Oliver: It's been a very promising window with some exciting football having been played in pre-season. It's the most ready Sunderland have been for years to compete in the Premier League.
"It feels like the right time to step away with the club's journey back to the Premier League complete. Sunderland is in great hands, on and off the field. The club is unrecognisable from the one I joined in League One and I can't wait to see the continued progress in the weeks and months ahead".
Jones is a lifelong supporter of the club and is well known as a presenter of Sky Sports football coverage.
Black Cats chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus said: "David's counsel and support have been greatly appreciated throughout my time at the club".
"His contribution has been significant in our journey to the Premier League, and his passion for Sunderland AFC has been constant."
'We can create many things' - Le Brispublished at 12:09 BST 11 August
12:09 BST 11 August
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Regis le Bris spoke to Nick Barnes after Sunderland lost to Rayo Vallecano in their final pre-season friendly: "The dynamic is a bit different, so it's not easy to play at the best level. They tried, and that was the most important thing today, to work hard even if the flow of the game is a bit different.
"When Wilson [Isidor], [Chris] Rigg and Enzo [Le Fee] are connected to the main squad it will be totally different. They will be ready for the Premier League.
"It's a young team stepping in a new league, but with the desire, with the togetherness, we can create many things.
"We are still worried by the next step, but at the same time, we need to trust our players. I think they work well. So far, they showed during this pre-season that we stepped up."
Wilson Isidor also spoke to BBC Radio Newcastle and on Eliezer Mayend he said: "He played all the minutes of the pre-season. So I'm really happy for him. He's a really good striker and with good potential and good quality.
"If we remember the final, I think he was more free when he was playing with me. We have a good connection. We are good friends, so let's keep it like that. I'm happy for everything happening to him.
"We know it will be tough. But now we have a good group. We have a good connection between all the players, the fans also. The most important is to give everything every weekend on the pitch.
"If you have a good group, you can do amazing things. Last season, we had a good group, and now my expectation is to keep that group really focused and determined to stay in the Premier League."
Diarra goal gives Sunderland pre-season win over Augsburgpublished at 16:22 BST 9 August
16:22 BST 9 August
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Sunderland 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.
Mayenda's new deal makes perfect sensepublished at 17:36 BST 8 August
17:36 BST 8 August
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 Images
The 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.
'I blame my dad' - fan storiespublished at 15:57 BST 8 August
15:57 BST 8 August
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.
Image caption,
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!
'Mayenda is a flourishing gem' - your views published at 08:50 BST 8 August
08:50 BST 8 August
Image source, Getty Images
We 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.
'I can't ever forget that day' - fan storiespublished at 16:32 BST 7 August
16:32 BST 7 August
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:
Image caption,
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.
Image caption,
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.
Image source, Getty Images
