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…
13. Dan Ballard
The centre-back signed a new contract at Sunderland last summer and has scored some crucial goals recently. | Sunderland's Dan Ballard - Photo by Frank Reid
14. IN: Jhon Lucumi
According to reports, Sunderland are continuing their pursuit of the defender and have tabled a bid of £25million to Bologna. This one looks like it could go right down to the wire. | Marco Luzzani/Getty Images Photo: Marco Luzzani/Getty Images
15. Trai Hume
The right-back recently signed a new deal at the Academy of Light, ending any speculation. | Frank Reid
16. Aji Alese
Sunderland hope to have the defender back from injury at some point next season. Photo: Nathan Stirk