Sunderland summer transfer window 2025: Top targets, budget, most likely signings and priority positions

Following a heartbreaking eight-year hiatus, Sunderland are back at the top level of the English game, preparing for the glitz and glamour of the Premier League during the 2025-26 season.

The Black Cats squeezed their way into the top flight courtesy of success in the Championship playoffs, dramatically beating Sheffield United in the Wembley final at the end of May.

Sunderland are back in the Premier League for the first time in eight years despite losing their final five matches of the regular season.

Although a playoff spot was already secured, the drop-off in performance levels in the North-East concerned supporters, who were bracing themselves for another term in the second tier of English football.

However, the Black Cats turned on the style when it mattered the most, getting the better of Chris Wilder's Blades at the national stadium last month.

Great fixtures at the Stadium of Light await for Sunderland, including a pair of matches against arch rivals Newcastle United.

Here, Sports Mole provides an in-depth preview of Sunderland's transfer plans, including top targets, budget and most likely signings.

Top targets

Understanding the lack of Premier League experience in their current first-team squad, Sunderland are reportedly considering a move for Ajax midfielder Jordan Henderson, who is said to be open to a Stadium of Light switch following initial talks with the newly-promoted club.

There is also set to be incomings for the backline of the Black Cats, with Chris Mepham a target for the North-East side following a successful loan stint from Bournemouth during 2024-25, however Regis Le Bris's men allegedly face competition from Sheffield United for the centre-back.

Toulouse defender Charlie Cresswell has also been mentioned as a potential target after he impressed during England's triumph at the Under-21 Euros.

Meanwhile, Sunderland are pursuing a deal to sign goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic after appearing to fail in their efforts to recruit Nice shot-stopper Marcin Bulka.

At the opposite end of the pitch, the Black Cats are reportedly showing an interest in Georgia international Georges Mikautadze, who scored 17 goals and provided 11 assists in 47 competitive matches last season. 

Budgets

As shown by the story of Ipswich Town over the past year, spending over £100m during the summer transfer window does not guarantee a relegation-free campaign in the Premier League, meaning that Sunderland need to be shrewd and ambitious in equal measure during the market ahead of 2025-26.

Earning North of £200m courtesy of their playoff triumph at Wembley in late May, the Black Cats are expected to spend a nine-figure sum on incomings this summer, given that their squad needs an influx of top-flight ability and experience ahead of the big kickoff in August.

Rarely splashing out on signings since relegation from the Premier League in 2017, the North-East club are in a better position with Profit & Sustainability Rules (PSR) than their fellow newly-promoted sides, giving Le Bris's men a key advantage over Leeds United and Burnley.

Most likely signings

A shock arrival at the Stadium of Light at the start of 2025, Le Fee's permanent move to Sunderland was confirmed after the club's promotion to the Premier League, representing a positive start to a window in which the North-East side are proving to be extremely active.

The Black Cats are on the hunt for more additions after recently bolstering their midfield options with the signings of Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki. 

Sunderland are believed to be close to adding Petrovic to their ranks, although they are facing competition from Turkish Galatasaray.

One name that is all but certain to join the club is Reinildo Mandava, who has already agreed to join Le Bris' side following his exit from Atletico Madrid.

Reinildo will put pen to paper on a two-year contract and is expected to be officially announced as a new Sunderland player on Monday. 

Turning 35 in the middle of June, Henderson probably has a few more years maximum at the top level of European football, with Sunderland supposedly offering the England international a romantic return to the Premier League, after playing 78 games for the club between 2008 and 2011.

Priority positions

A large part of Sunderland's business during the summer transfer window will be replacing the talents of Jobe Bellingham, who moved from Borussia Dortmund for over £30m, following the footsteps of older brother Jude Bellingham.

The 19-year-old's departure has left a significant void in the Sunderland engine room, considering the fact that he started 42 of his 43 appearances for the Black Cats last season. 

There could be further losses from the engine room of the newly-promoted side before the conclusion of the trading point, with Serie A outfit Roma supposedly eyeing up a move for 24-year-old Dan Neil, who has been a staple of the Black Cats' success since they escaped League One.

With playoff hero Tommy Watson securing a £10m switch to Brighton & Hove Albion - coupled with the persistent injury problems of Ian Poveda - it is believed that Sunderland are targeting significant reinforcements in wide areas this summer to support the likes of Patrick Roberts and Eliezer Mayenda.

Written by
Carter White