Sunderland begin the 2026-27 season in European competition for the first time since 1973-74, seeking to build on their seventh-place finish and prove their rapid ascent was no one-season wonder. Manager Régis Le Bris acknowledged that Thursday night football would pose a challenge for a club that played in League One as recently as 2022, but described it as something to embrace rather than fear.
The club has made limited changes to the squad that impressed last season. Thomas Meunier, a 34-year-old former Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund defender, joined on a free transfer and is expected to compete with Noah Sadiki and Trai Hume at right-back. At least two additional signings are expected before the transfer window closes. Notably, no key players have been sold, and team spirit was described as superb following pre-season performances.
Granit Xhaka retained the captaincy after recommitting to the club despite interest from Chelsea, a decision Le Bris cited as a sign of the squad's strength. Other established players including Enzo Le Fée, Chris Rigg and Brian Brobbey remained at the Stadium of Light. "We are growing together," Le Bris said. "We've shown the team is strong."
Last season Sunderland benefited from players departing for the Africa Cup of Nations in winter, yet still finished seventh despite expected-goals statistics that suggested relegation-level performance. The gulf between their underlying metrics and their league position was wider than any other team in Europe's top five leagues experienced.
Le Bris, a 50-year-old with a doctorate in physiology and biomechanics, led Sunderland to the Championship playoff title in 2025 before winning two league matches against Newcastle. The squad includes 13 players with World Cup experience, with Wilson Isidor having scored Haiti's first World Cup goal since 1974 and Brian Brobbey netting three times for the Netherlands. Ownership of the club remains with 29-year-old billionaire Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, who holds a 64 percent stake.
