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…
29. IN: Brian Brobbey
Sunderland have agreed a deal to sign Bryan Brobbey from Ajax in a move worth an initial £17million plus £4.2million in add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. Romano adds that the total package to take the player to Sunderland from the Netherlands is valued at around £21.2million, with the Dutch international set to undergo his medical later today before completing the switch to the North East. Photo: MAURICE VAN STEEN
30. IN: Josh Sargent
Sunderland are exploring a deadline-day deal to sign Norwich City striker Josh Sargent, according to Football Insider. They say the Black Cats have "made contact" with the Championship outfit over a last-gasp move for the 25-year-old. Norwich City reportedly setting his asking price at around £18million to £20million in early July 2025 | Getty Images