Sunderland confirm academy lead as West Ham track Isidor
Huddersfield are closing in on a loan for Sunderland’s 19-year-old keeper Matty Young after Salford loans. Sunderland are vetting clubs, with Town favoured over Sheffield Wednesday and Leicester.
Sunderland promote John Hewitson to head of academy, succeeding Robin Nicholls. Florent Ghisolfi and Tom Barwell back a values-led rebuild, with investment and a focus on the player pathway and Europa prep.
West Ham are interested in Sunderland forward Wilson Isidor after a 6-goal Premier League season. The 25-year-old, once a Championship standout, could depart on loan or permanently amid uncertainty.
Opinion backs Sunderland to sign midfielders despite rumours. Ghisolfi targets quality over quantity, succession planning for Granit Xhaka and squad fine-tuning for 2026/27 with Europa League demands.
Recap of Sunderland’s opening-day highs and lows, including the 3-0 win over West Ham in 2025. Contributors predict 2026/27 curtain-raiser and key dates as fans await fixtures across four fronts.
Sunderland open at Ipswich on 22 Aug, first home v Fulham on 29 Aug. Tyne-Wear derbies: 5 Dec at St James’ and 1 May at Stadium of Light. Festive trips to Everton on 26 Dec and Man Utd on 30 Dec.
Sunderland and Fulham lead the chase for Parma centre-back Mariano Troilo after his strong Serie A finish. Parma could sell for around €30m, with both clubs ready to invest.
