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 a flurry of transfers 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. 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.
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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…
1. IN: Robin Roefs
The goalkeeper started the season against West Ham at the Stadium of Light following his £11.5million move and retained his place for the Burnley game and saved a penalty against Brentford. | Getty Images
2. Anthony Patterson
The homegrown Sunderland goalkeeper was on the bench against West Ham, Burnley and Brentford. | Sunderland's Anthony Patterson - Photo by Frank Reid
3. Simon Moore
Simon Moore signed a two-year deal at Sunderland last summer and will provide cover in the Premier League. | Frank Reid
4. IN: Lutsharel Geertruida
Sunderland have struck an agreement with RB Leipzig to sign Lutsharel Geertruida on an initial loan deal with an option to buy, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein. The 25-year-old Netherlands international has been granted permission to undergo a medical ahead of completing his move to the Stadium of Light before the transfer window closes. The Black Cats looked to have hijacked Olympique de Marseille’s move for the versatile defender. The option price could be around the £17million mark. | Getty Images