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:
33. CONTRACT: Regis Le Bris
Régis Le Bris signed a new long-term contract with Sunderland in August 2025, extending his deal until the summer of 2028. This new contract rewards the French head coach for leading Sunderland to promotion to the Premier League and reflects the club's ambition to establish itself in the top flight. | Sunderland's Regis Le Bris. Photo by Chris Fryatt.Sunderland's Regis Le Bris. Photo by Chris Fryatt.
34. CONTRACT: Chris Rigg
Chris Rigg has signed a new long-term contract at the Stadium of Light. After making his Premier League debut, the 18-year-old has committed his future to Wearside until 2030 | Chris Rigg, Nectar Triantis and Leo Hjelde. Photo by Ian Horrocks.
35. CONTRACT: Luke O'Nien
Luke O'Nien has signed a new contract with recently promoted Sunderland until 2027. O'Nien remains sidelined as a result of the surgery on the dislocated shoulder he suffered during Sunderland's play-off final win against Sheffield United. Photo: Stephen Pond
36. CONTRACT: Trai Hume
Trai Hume signed a new long-term contract with Sunderland, committing his future to the club until the summer of 2030. The contract extension followed Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League and was announced in August 2025, ending transfer speculation around the Northern Ireland international. | Chris Fryatt