When you reflect on the consistency Roefs has produced for Sunderland this season, it’s worth remembering that he had not been at the top of the club’s shortlist in the summer. Initially they had looked at goalkeepers with more experience in top European leagues and had been willing to spend a huge sum to get one, a reflection of how critical they thought this position to be. In the first half of the season, Roefs was right up at the top for save percentage and goals prevented - an absolutely vital part of a Sunderland side who continuously confounded the naysayers to stay well clear of the bottom three. He perhaps didn’t quite maintain that level through the second half of the campaign but remained one of the most dependable stoppers in the division. Most impressive is his unflappability in all scenarios - the sky really does look to be the limit. A+ placeholder image
When you reflect on the consistency Roefs has produced for Sunderland this season, it’s worth remembering that he had not been at the top of the club’s shortlist in the summer. Initially they had looked at goalkeepers with more experience in top European leagues and had been willing to spend a huge sum to get one, a reflection of how critical they thought this position to be. In the first half of the season, Roefs was right up at the top for save percentage and goals prevented - an absolutely vital part of a Sunderland side who continuously confounded the naysayers to stay well clear of the bottom three. He perhaps didn’t quite maintain that level through the second half of the campaign but remained one of the most dependable stoppers in the division. Most impressive is his unflappability in all scenarios - the sky really does look to be the limit. A+ | Getty Images

The Sunderland end-of-season player grades and what they tell us about the summer transfer window ahead

Phil Smith
By Phil Smith

Sunderland AFC Writer

Published 28th May 2026, 17:00 GMT

Sunderland secured a seventh-place finish and a place in the Europa League at the end of a stunning campaign

A 2-1 win over Chelsea secured Europa League football for Sunderland next season and was a fitting end to one of the most memorable campaigns in the club’s modern history.

Here, Phil Smith grades each and every member of the first-team squad and previews how their campaigns might impact the work that director of football Florent Ghisolfi does in the transfer market this summer.

Only players who featured in the Premier League this season and who remain contracted to the club at this stage feature.

From missing out on the starting XI on opening day to being the pick of many fans for the club’s player of the season. Le Fée responded well to that initial disappointment by making important contributions from the left flank and by the end of the campaign, his goal contribution spoke for itself. His form after returning to the number ten role was exceptional and one of the key reasons Sunderland qualified for the Europa League. Le Fée is the rarest of players - a joy to watch but whose output and work rate means he is no luxury. He’ll surely start next season as one of the first names on the teamsheet Outstanding. A*

17. Enzo Le Fee

From missing out on the starting XI on opening day to being the pick of many fans for the club’s player of the season. Le Fée responded well to that initial disappointment by making important contributions from the left flank and by the end of the campaign, his goal contribution spoke for itself. His form after returning to the number ten role was exceptional and one of the key reasons Sunderland qualified for the Europa League. Le Fée is the rarest of players - a joy to watch but whose output and work rate means he is no luxury. He’ll surely start next season as one of the first names on the teamsheet Outstanding. A* | Getty Images

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A season of two halves for the experienced winger. A canny addition on deadline day, he overcame a slow start to become one of the first names on the teamsheet. He consistently made good contributions and has never really been replaced since suffering a knee injury on AFCON duty. That lack of minutes means it’s unclear whether Sunderland will trigger their option to keep him next season - if not then it’s a position they have to recruit. B-

18. Bertrand Traore

A season of two halves for the experienced winger. A canny addition on deadline day, he overcame a slow start to become one of the first names on the teamsheet. He consistently made good contributions and has never really been replaced since suffering a knee injury on AFCON duty. That lack of minutes means it’s unclear whether Sunderland will trigger their option to keep him next season - if not then it’s a position they have to recruit. B- | Steve Welsh/PA Wire

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A really solid first campaign in Premier League football. Talbi struggled at times for consistency but you’d expect that for a winger of his age and particularly one that played a lot of his football on the right flank where he is weaker and less confident. More important were the key goals he regularly produced, and the good attitude he showed when asked to impact the game from the bench. Is going to get a lot of minutes from the left next season and has a strong platform from which to kick on. A-

19. Chemsdine Talbi

A really solid first campaign in Premier League football. Talbi struggled at times for consistency but you’d expect that for a winger of his age and particularly one that played a lot of his football on the right flank where he is weaker and less confident. More important were the key goals he regularly produced, and the good attitude he showed when asked to impact the game from the bench. Is going to get a lot of minutes from the left next season and has a strong platform from which to kick on. A- | Getty Images

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Two brief appearances mean it’s impossible to make a judgement. What we can say is he showed a real ability to beat his defender at Oxford and against Fulham, and could be a great impact option from the bench next season. Will be a big pre-season for him. N/A

20. Jocelin Ta Bi

Two brief appearances mean it’s impossible to make a judgement. What we can say is he showed a real ability to beat his defender at Oxford and against Fulham, and could be a great impact option from the bench next season. Will be a big pre-season for him. N/A | Getty Images

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