Exclusive: Brian Deane rates Sunderland's chances of shock European berth after Wear-Tyne win
Brian Deane has discussed Sunderland's chances of qualifying for Europe after extending their great start to the season against Newcastle.
Sunderland’s start to life back in the Premier League gives them every right to push for European qualification this season.
That’s according to former England international Brian Deane, who has been impressed by what he’s seen from the Black Cats so far. Sunderland are on cloud nine right now after beating Newcastle United 1-0 in Sunday’s Wear-Tyne derby, thanks to a Nick Woltemade own goal, ensuring they’re now 10 league games unbeaten against their arch-rivals.
As a result, Sunderland are eighth in the table, but only trail Liverpool, Manchester United and Crystal Palace above them on goal difference, and Chelsea in the top four by two points.
Sunderland given outside chance of Europe
After years of struggle from newly-promoted sides, Sunderland are re-writing the script and proving it is possible to compete at the highest level for those coming out of the Championship.
Deane believes Regis Le Bris’ men have every chance of securing an incredible European berth come the end of the campaign, though he cautions that may not be the best outcome for the Black Cats - despite what a remarkable achievement it would represent.
“Yes, why not push for Europe?” Deane, speaking exclusively to the Sunderland Echo via CasinoBernie, said. “What we're finding is that most of the teams can compete, everybody's beating each other, so why wouldn't you pick Sunderland to have quite the campaign where they are! “The only thing is that I'm not sure Europe would be good for them right now, but it would be a hell of an achievement. “I don't think that's what they're aiming to do. I think what they're probably aiming to do is to make sure that they finish in this division next year. I think they're on their way to doing that.”
Deane - who played for the likes of Sheffield United, Leeds United and Middlesbrough - pointed to the financial ‘burden’ competing in Europe can place on a club as a potential sticking point for Sunderland. However, he believes if they can consolidate this season and add further quality to their squad over the summer, the ‘project’ at the Stadium of Light could naturally flow that way before too long.
“Yes, it does take a lot of financial resources to also compete in Europe, and that's a bigger burden than anybody thinks. You've got to bring in the right players,” Deane added. “Perhaps what they will do is in the summer, if they stay up, they can look at getting more established players. Players, perhaps, who are not thinking, I'll come and prove myself here, but players who they think can perhaps buy into a project.”
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What next for Sunderland?
Sunderland’s memorable win over Newcastle leaves them well-placed, but they cannot afford to relax. The Black Cats face a difficult trip to Brighton this Saturday as they seek to strengthen their position in the top half of the table. After that, Sunderland close out 2025 at home to fellow newly-promoted side Leeds United on 28th December, before a challenging start to 2026 at home to Manchester City and away at Tottenham Hotspur.