Sunderland are pushing forward with their Premier League rebuild – and Florent Ghisolfi is at the heart of it. The Black Cats’ new sporting director has already been linked with transfer business worth up to £218million, with deals including marquee arrivals, shrewd free-agent additions and a record-breaking sale. It marks the most ambitious summer of Kyril Louis-Dreyfus’ ownership, and a bold statement of intent heading into the 2025-26 campaign.
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Ghisolfi, who turned down Juventus, Newcastle United and clubs in Saudi Arabia to take the Sunderland job, is leading a data-driven recruitment strategy with head coach Régis Le Bris. The pair are looking to build a squad capable not just of surviving in the top flight, but of developing into a long-term Premier League force.
Of course, some speculation this early in the window should be taken with a pinch of salt – but the general direction of travel is clear. Here, we’ve put together a gallery showing what Sunderland’s ideal 25-man Premier League squad could look like once the transfer window is complete. Who stays, who starts, and who still needs replacing? Let’s take a closer look…
21. IN: Enzo Le Fee
Sunderland have now signed the former AS Roma midfielder on a permanent deal following promotion. The fee paid is believed to have been around £20million. | Getty Images
22. IN: Granit Xhaka
Granit Xhaka is now Sunderland's captain following his £17.5million move from Bayer Leverkusen. | Getty Images
23. Patrick Roberts
The attacker is under contract at Sunderland until the summer of 2026 with a club option for another year. His experience could be vital in the Premier League. | Getty Images
24. Romaine Mundle
The former Tottenham winger will start the season injured amid reports that Sunderland are preparing to offer him a new contract. Photo: George Wood