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:
25. OUT: Adil Aouchiche
Adil Aouchiche has left Sunderland on a season-long loan to join Scottish club Aberdeen, with an option for Aberdeen to buy him permanently at the end of the deal. The midfielder joined Aberdeen on July 6, 2025, to play regular first-team football and compete in Europe. | Getty Images
26. OUT: Oli Bainbridge
The young Sunderland full-back has joined local non-league side South Shields on loan. | Sunderland's Oli Bainbridge - Photo by Ben Cuthbertson Photo: Sunderland's Oli Bainbridge - Photo by Ben Cuthbertson
27. OUT: Patrick Roberts
Sunderland have confirmed that Patrick Roberts has joined Birmingham City on loan. An integral player throughout the Club’s unforgettable journey from League One to the Premier League, the winger will spend the 2025-26 season at St Andrew’s. | Getty Images
28. OUT: Nazariy Rusyn
Naz Rusyn has joined Polish side Arka Gdynia on loan for the 2025-26 campaign. The 26-year-old forward moves to the PKO Bank Polski Ekstraklasa, having made 32 appearances and scored twice for the Black Cats since signing from FC Zorya Luhansk in September 2023. He also spent time on loan at HNK Hajduk Split last season. | Getty Images