Phil Bardsley has a key transfer message to Sunderland chiefs.

Former Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley has warned the club’s transfer chiefs they are going to have to bolster the squad with quality and quantity to compete on four fronts next year.

But Bardsley has backed Florent Ghisolfi & Co to do the business needed as Sunderland prepare for the 2026-27 campaign, which will see the Black Cats compete in the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

It has been an incredible 12-months on Wearside following promotion back to the top flight with Regis Le Bris leading Sunderland to a 7th placed-finish and qualification for the Europa League, which will add a minimum eight additional fixtures to the schedule with four home and four away games guaranteed. It is undoubtedly an exciting time to be a Sunderland fan and player - but the squad will certainly need boosting this summer transfer window.

Bardsley, an ex-Manchester United full-back, joined the Black Cats in 2008 under Roy Keane and went on to make more than 200 appearances for the club across six years, becoming a key figure during one of Sunderland’s most stable spells in the Premier League era.

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Bardsley told the Echo: “I think it's important. Obviously, you're going to have to boost the squad, there's a lot of demand and a lot of travel. You are travelling away and then having an away fixture in the Premier League on the Sunday. I've experienced it, we experienced it when we were at Burnley. We finished seventh and it was tough.

“We didn't have the strength and depth in the squad to cope with the demand of the two competitions, or the four competitions, I should say. So it's important you get the recruitment right and I'm sure they will because the proof is in the pudding last year. The recruitment at Sunderland has been fantastic. I'm looking forward to it. Give the fans what they want - a trip around Europe and let's hope the draw is kind to them as well.”

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And Sunderland will also be desperate to avoid second season syndrome, which can see teams that achieve success in the first 12-months after being promoted then struggle in the second campaign in the top flight.

“It's just a case of getting the right players in and having a big enough squad to cope with all the demands. Like I say, they're experienced now and the season they've had with the recruitment they've had, the players they've brought in in the right areas, they have all played their part and I'm sure they'll look to boost in certain areas to cope with the demand. I look forward to it and I'll try and get to a couple of games myself as well.”

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