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…
17. Chris Rigg
The 18-year-old made his Premier League debut against West Ham at the Stadium of Light and has just signed a new five-year deal at Sunderland. | Frank Reid
18. IN: Habib Diarra
Sunderland have concluded a £30million deal for the international midfielder, who is expected to play a big part under Le Bris in the Premier League next season. | Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images
19. IN: Noah Sadiki
Sunderland have confirmed the signing of Noah Sadiki from Belgian champions Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. The 20-year-old midfielder has put pen to paper on a five-year contract. The fee was announced as undisclosed but is understood to be worth up to £17.5million, with £15million paid up front. | Getty Images
20. Dan Neil
Sunderland will be looking to tie Dan Neil down to a new deal during the summer. | Frank Reid