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 £217million, alongside his partner in crime Kristjaan Speakman, 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 Premier League squad could look like once the transfer window is complete.
Who stays, and who still needs replacing? Let’s take a closer look…
5. IN: Omar Alderete
Sunderland have captured the signing of defender Omar Alderete from Getafe for a reported fee of £10million. | Getty Images
6. Dennis Cirkin
The full-back has become a vital cog in Régis Le Bris' team, and Sunderland are likely to explore extending his contract at the end of the season, though he is currently injured. | Getty Images
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7. IN: Reinildo Mandava
Sunderland have signed the left-back on a two-year deal after his contract in Spain expired. | Getty Images
8. Jenson Seelt
The big Dutch defender has recently returned from a long injury lay-off and could well stay at the club, although a loan move os being discussed. | Sunderland's Jenson Seelt - Photo by Ben Cuthbertson