Sunderland's 2025/26 net spend compared to rivals as Premier League status secured
Sunderland have significantly strengthened their squad since securing promotion back into the Premier League last season.
Sunderland’s summer transfer window will go down as one of the most exciting periods in the club’s recent history as a whole host of eye-catching signings were completed in preparation for the long-awaited return to the Premier League.
After securing their place in the top flight with a Championship play-off final win against Sheffield United, the Stadium of Light hierarchy pieced together an ambitious summer of recruitment that saw the likes of highly-rated Dutch goalkeeper Robin Roefs, former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka and in-demand midfield duo Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra all tempted to Wearside. The momentum from the Wembley win against the Blades and the successful transfer activity spilled into the season and Sunderland have been named as one of the surprise packages of the campaign as they battle for a place in European competition on the back of impressive wins against the likes of Chelsea, Leeds United and Newcastle United.
The January transfer window was a more measured affair with several squad players departing and summer addition Simon Adingra moving out on loan to Ligue 1 club Monaco. There were incomings with Swedish goalkeeper Melker Ellborg and wing duo Nilson Angulo and Jocelin Ta Bi all added to Regis Le Bris’ squad and there now appears to be a solid foundation to build on when the summer transfer window opens for business. Sunderland have secured their place in next season’s Premier League after surpassing the magical 40-point mark with their win at Leeds United and all focus will now go on further strengthening their squad. But how much have the Black Cats spent since securing promotion compared to their rivals across the top flight of English football?
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Sunderland 2025/26 net spend compared to Premier League rivals
Arsenal - €280.30m
Liverpool - €263.40m
Manchester City - €199.52m
Tottenham Hotspur - €183.10m
Manchester United - €176.50m
Sunderland - €160.69m
Everton - €117.15m
Nottingham Forest - €111.58m
Leeds United - €104.70m
Newcastle United - €102.85m
Burnley - €93.65m
Fulham - €56.40m
West Ham United - €53.10m
Crystal Palace - €47.85m
Aston Villa - €12.65m
Chelsea - €4.90m
Wolves - +€38.10m
Brentford - +€50.06m
Brighton - +€66.15m
Bournemouth - +€130.31m
What did Regis Le Bris say about Sunderland’s January transfer window?
“It's a difficult window but it could have been more difficult - we're in a good place,” Le Bris said midway through the month. “Our standards are high so if you want to replace someone or add a new player, it's really demanding. But that's really positive for the club and fans and everyone here. Now we are targeting really specific positions, but we are not the only ones. It's often offensive positions with specific qualities and it's tough to find.
“It’s important to say as well that at Sunderland the identity is to build rather than buy. We are really good at supporting the players and giving opportunities to young players. They might not be so strong at the beginning but they have this potential. We give them opportunities and then they can become good or very good players.”
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