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:
13. IN: Marc Guiu
The striker was signed on loan from Chelsea earlier on in the window with high hopes surrounding the deal. | Chris Fryatt
14. IN: Enzo Le Fee
Enzo Le Fée's transfer to Sunderland is now a permanent one, as the midfielder signed a four-year contract on July 1, 2025, after his six-month loan spell from AS Roma was completed. The promotion-clinching play-off final triggered an automatic purchase clause for a fee of around £20million, making him Sunderland's first summer signing and first club-record signing in the Premier League. | Getty Images
15. IN: Lutsharel Geertruida
Sunderland have brought in RB Leipzig defender Lutsharel Geertruida on a season-long loan. Geertruida, who is primarily a right-back, played 35 matches for Leipzig last season but is being allowed to leave the German club just a year after joining from Feyenoord. | Getty Images
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16. OUT: Tommy Watson
Sunderland hero Tommy Watson has since completed a £10 million move to Premier League club Brighton and Hove Albion, joining when the summer transfer window opened. | Getty Images