Sunderland are set to make their Premier League return after eight years away, and this will be their 88th season as a top-flight club. The Black Cats have finished no higher than 13th since 2010/11 though, with supporters rightly bracing themselves for an arduous relegation battle.
What are Sunderland's confirmed transfers?
Sunderland's arrivals
- Granit Xhaka: Bayer Leverkusen - £17.3 million.
- Habib Diarra: Strasbourg - £30 million.
- Simon Adingra: Brighton & Hove Albion - £21 million.
- Enzo Le Fée: Roma - £19.3 million (loan made permanent).
- Reinildo Mandava: Atlético Madrid - free transfer.
- Chemsdine Talbi: Club Brugge - £19.5 million.
- Noah Sadiki: Royale Union Saint-Gilloise - £17.5 million.
- Marc Guiu: Chelsea - loan.
- Arthur Masuaku: Beşiktaş - free transfer.
- Robin Roefs: NEC Nijmegen - £11.5 million.
Sunderland's departures
- Jobe Bellingham: Borussia Dortmund - £32 million.
- Tommy Watson: Brighton & Hove Albion - £10 million.
- Adil Aouchiche: Aberdeen - loan + option to buy for £1.5 million.
Pleased note: all information is correct as of the date of publication.
What happened at Sunderland last season?
Sunderland are back in the big time, but can they make an impact? Following their most-recent Premier League relegation in 2017, the Black Cats actually went down again the very next year, subsequently spending four seasons in League One, having only ever been a third-tier club once, this in 1987/88, in their entire history beforehand. During this period in the wilderness, they were beaten in play-offs by Charlton, Lincoln and Luton, before an historic triumph at Wembley back in May.
Having finished fourth in the EFL Championship, Régis Le Bris' side then ousted Coventry in the play-offs, thanks to Dan Ballard's 122nd minute header that shook the Stadium of Light to its foundations; the roar could be heard from miles away. Then, at Wembley, after falling behind against Sheffield United, Eliezer Mayenda equalised late on and then, deep into stoppage time again, Tommy Watson's long-range strike snatched victory, sparking more unforgettable scenes, securing their return.
How will Sunderland do this season?
In the first 31 seasons of the Premier League, only once did all three newly-promoted clubs go straight back down, this in 1997/98. Well, this has now happened in both of the last two campaigns, but if there's ever been a team to break that sequence, surely it is this Sunderland side, right?
Well, the Black Cats have spent, at the time of publication, almost £140 million on eight new recruits, simply seeking to finish 17th. Granit Xhaka has been appointed the new club captain, a statement arrival from Bayer Leverkusen, adding some valuable expirence to a very youthful squad. Elsewhere, Robin Roefs is the new goalkeeper, while left-back Reinildo Mandava will become the first-ever Mozambican to play in the Premier League, the 127th nation to be represented.
Further forward, Habib Diarra's £30 million move from Strasbourg makes him the club-record signing, while Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra, who have arrived from Brugge and Brighton, are both very exciting winger. Let's also not overlook those who achieved promotion in the first place, including teenager Chris Rigg, who is certainly one to watch. Manager Régis Le Bris was relegated from Ligue 1 in charge of Loreint two seasons ago, but we are not forecasting the same fate for him on Wearside.
Sunderland begin the season with some winnable fixtures, welcoming West Ham to the Stadium of Light on opening day, before also facing Burnley and Brentford in August, so a strong start will be imperative. Also, in our humble opinion anyway, English football's best rivalry is back, namely the Tyne–Wear derby, and Newcastle's visit just before Christmas is certainly a fixture to look forward to.
What is our predicted Premier League finish for Sunderland?
- Our predicted finish for Sunderland in the Premier League this season: 16th.
What are Sunderland's first 6 Premier League fixtures?
- West Ham United (H). Saturday 16 August. Kick off 15:00 (BST).
- Burnley (A). Saturday 23 August. Kick off 15:00 (BST).
- Brentford (H). Saturday 30 August. Kick off 15:00 (BST).
- Crystal Palace (A). Saturday 13 September. Kick off 15:00 (BST).
- Aston Villa (H). Sunday 21 September. Kick off 14:00 (BST).
- Nottingham Forest (A). Saturday 27 September. Kick off 17:30 (BST).
What are some other key dates for Sunderland supporters?
- 13 August: Carabao Cup second round draw - taking place around 22:30 (BST).
- 1 September: The transfer window closes at 19:00 (BST).