Premier League 2025-26

Sunderland suprised the world by beating Sheffield United in the Championship Playoff-final at Wembley. The prestigious club returns to the Premier League after 9 seasons in lower divisions. Since getting relegated in the 2016-17 season, Sunderland fell into League One after two consecutive relegations. Promotion to the Championship came in the 2021-22 season and now Sunderland are back in the top flight.

As usual for promoted sides, Sunderland have been active in the transfer market this summer. The most expensive signing has been Habib Diarra from Strasbourg who joined for £30 million. Other notable signings include former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka, winger Simon Adingra and midfielder Enzo Le Fée who played at Sunderland on loan last season.

Sunderland have however lost some key players as well. The biggest loss must be the promising midfielder Jobe Bellingham who followed his brother's footsteps and joined Borussia Dortmund. The other notable loss is Tom Watson who joined Brighton after scoring the winner in the Playoff-final.

All in all Sunderland have had an impressive transfer window for a promoted team and will be a tough opponent to beat for anyone. Some new signings are still needed for Sunderland to avoid relegation.

My prediction: 19th