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:
17. OUT: Jobe Bellingham
Jobe Bellingham completed a permanent transfer to Borussia Dortmund for a club record fee. A sell-on clause is also included within the agreement, which brings an end to the midfielder’s two-year journey with Sunderland. Bellingham’s unforgettable time on Wearside culminated in promotion to the Premier League last month, as Régis Le Bris’ side won the 2025 Championship play-off Final at Wembley Stadium. | Getty Images
18. OUT: Hemir
Hemir has joined Moreirense FC on loan. The striker, 22, will spend the 2025-26 season with the Green and Whites, who have started their campaign with three wins from three in Portugal’s top tier. Arriving on Wearside from Benfica in June 2023, Hemir spent the 2024-25 campaign on loan in Italy with Juventus Next Gen, making 27 appearances. | Hemir by Chris Fryatt Photo: Hemir by Chris Fryatt
19. OUT: Nectar Triantis
Nectar Triantis has joined Minnesota United for an undisclosed fee. The 22-year-old moves to Major League Soccer following two years on Wearside, during which time he made five senior appearances in all competitions. Triantis’ time at the Club was predominantly spent on loan in the Scottish Premiership, where he featured for Hibernian on more than 40 occasions during two successful spells at Easter Road. | Getty Images
20. OUT: Matty Young
The highly-rated goalkeeper will spend the season on loan at Salford City in League Two. | Matty Young and Simon Moore. Photo by Ian Horrocks courtesy of Sunderland AFC.