Sunderland have overseen one of the most ambitious and dramatic summer windows in the club’s history, with sporting director Kristjaan Speakman at the heart of a £167.1million rebuild designed to establish the Black Cats in the Premier League.
In total, Sunderland have brought 15 players through the door, including major defensive, midfield and attacking reinforcements, while also completing 17 departures as part of a wide-ranging overhaul of Régis Le Bris’ squad. On top of that, the club have secured six key contract renewals, tying down several core players and the head coach to long-term deals.
The arrivals include established internationals, high-potential young talents and proven Premier League performers, reflecting Sunderland’s ambition to compete at the highest level. Alongside that, a number of notable exits have reshaped the squad significantly, as players left for Premier League rivals, Championship challengers and European clubs.
Speakman and his recruitment team have delivered one of the most active windows in English football, balancing investment in elite quality with a focus on sustainability, future value and youth development. From marquee signings and record deals to surprise departures and breakthrough contract extensions, this summer has transformed Sunderland’s short and long-term prospects – and there’s a lot to unpack.
In our full gallery, we break down every incoming transfer, every outgoing deal and every new contract agreed at the Stadium of Light during this record-breaking summer:
9. IN: Habib Diarra
Sunderland have completed the signing of Senegal midfielder Habib Diarra in a reported club record £30million deal from Strasbourg. | Sunderland's Habib Diarra. Photo by Chris Fryatt.
10. IN: Noah Sadiki
Noah Sadiki completed a transfer to Sunderland AFC from Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise in July 2025, signing a five-year contract. The reported fee was around €20million (£17.5million - £20.5million) with potential add-ons | Sunderland's Noah Sadiki. Photo by Chris Fryatt.
11. IN: Brian Brobbey
Sunderland have completed the signing of striker Brian Brobbey from Ajax, the Premier League club have announced. The 23-year old joins in a deal worth up to £25million Photo: MAURICE VAN STEEN
12. IN: Bertrand Traore
Bertrand Traoré arrived from Ajax alongside Brian Brobbey. The forward has signed a one-year contract on Wearside with a club option of an additional year, with the fee thought to be around £2.5million. Traoré scored ten goals and contributed eight assists at the Johan Cruyff Arena last season, featuring prominently in the Eredivisie and UEFA Europa League. | DeFodi Images via Getty Images