How Sunderland's newest Premier League rivals are shaping up ahead of the 2026/27 season
Coventry City, Ipswich Town and Hull City have all joined Sunderland in the Premier League.
Sunderland’s preparations for the new Premier League season clicked up a gear on Thursday when they discovered which side will provide their opposition on the opening day of the campaign.
The Black Cats have been handed a tricky-looking away day at an Ipswich Town side that secured a return to the top flight by ending last season as runners-up in the Championship. The Tractor Boys will be joined by play-off winners Hull City and Championship title winners Coventry City, who ended their 25-year absence from the top flight by cantering to the second tier title under former Chelsea and England midfielder Frank Lampard.
All three newcomers will step up their preparations for the new season when they return to pre-season training next month - but how are they shaping up ahead of the campaign?
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Coventry City
The Sky Blues will make a long-awaited return to the top flight after claiming the Championship title last season. However, they are yet to add any new faces to their promotion-winning squad during the summer transfer window. Goalkeeper Brad Collins and midfielder Jamie Allen have departed after their contracts came to an end and on-loan Tottenham Hotspur winger has returned to his parent club.
Ipswich Town
There was a surprise development at Portman Road when two-time promotion winning manager Kieran McKenna decided to bring an end to his four-year reign. As it stands, a replacement is yet to be announced - but reports have suggested former Bournemouth and Wolves boss Gary O’Neil is close to being appointed. The Tractor Boys have confirmed the permanent signings of Ajax striker Chuba Akpom and Reims defender Cedric Kipre and goalkeeper Arijanet Muric has departed for Italian club Sassuolo.
Hull City
The Tigers were the last team to confirm their place in the Premier League with a play-off final win against Middlesbrough. There is plenty of work to do as they prepare for a return to the top flight after loan signings Joe Gelhart, Toby Collyer, Amir Hadziahemotvic, Lewis Koumas, John Lundstrom and Yu Hirakawa all returned to their parent clubs. Despite being linked with several potential additions, Hull are yet to add any new faces to their squad.
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