Sunderland transfer plan revealed as Régis Le Bris names how many signings are needed for Europa League
Régis Le Bris has outlined Sunderland’s transfer needs this summer ahead of a demanding European campaign
Régis Le Bris says Sunderland will need “three or four” more consistent players this summer as they prepare for the challenge of combining Premier League and Europa League football.
The Black Cats secured European qualification on the final day of the campaign against Chelsea after a remarkable first season back in the top flight, finishing seventh in the Premier League and booking the club’s first European campaign since 1973-74, and only the North East club’s fifth top-10 top-flight finish in 70 years.
Sunderland’s rise has been dramatic, but next season will bring a very different kind of challenge. Le Bris’ side will have to balance domestic commitments with at least eight Europa League fixtures, while also competing in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Sunderland’s recruitment last summer was ambitious and ultimately hugely successful, with more than a dozen new arrivals becoming key figures in the club’s historic campaign. The task now is different: adding quality without disrupting the culture, balance and momentum built under Le Bris.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Le Bris made clear that Sunderland are already preparing for the physical and logistical demands of a busier calendar. Le Bris said: “It’s going to be different because, on average, a team who starts in Europe is supposed to lose 10 points in the league.
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“So it’s a big challenge. We’ll need three or four more consistent players in different positions, so that we can manage the schedule. And it’s clear, we need to recover quickly, we need to prepare quickly, we need to debrief quickly. So it’s going to be challenging. But it’s not boring, and everybody should be excited.”
Sunderland’s first-team are expected to return to pre-season under Le Bris in early July before their first confirmed friendly against York City on Saturday, July 18. The Black Cats will then head to the United States for games against Liverpool, Leeds United and Wrexham before returning to Europe for a double-header against RC Lens. Their final summer fixture will be at home to Stade Rennais on Saturday, August 15, one week before the 2026-27 Premier League campaign begins.