Sunderland weigh striker options as pre-season lifts
Podcast debates ‘second season syndrome’ for Sunderland, reflecting on Premier League history plus the summers of 2000 under Reid and 2008 under Keane, asking if 2026 is a crossroads for the club.
Sunderland join West Ham, Man United and Torino in tracking Leicester centre-back Ben Nelson, 22. Foxes value him at £10m-£12m with one year left on his deal after 24 Championship games last season.
Sunderland thump York in pre-season as Enzo Le Fée and Chris Rigg score. Fringe players stake claims before the US tour and Liverpool test. Pink kit debuts, with squad depth eyed for Europa League.
Sunderland face a blow in pursuit of Monaco striker Folarin Balogun, with Juventus leading a €50m race. Borussia Dortmund also keen. Separate note: Man United keeper Radek Vitek wants to leave.
Loanee Milan Aleksić scores on debut for Partizan in a 2-2 draw at Zemun, playing 58 minutes with 3 shots and 88% passing. Early signs are positive, with a £1m option potentially putting him in the shop window.
Flashback 1986: director Barry Batey demands a showdown with Lawrie McMenemy amid fan anger over wages and poor results, as Sunderland face boardroom turmoil at Roker Park.
Sunderland seek a Brobbey backup after Mayenda’s €25m exit. Options assessed include Delap, Castro, Promise David, Tresoldi and Embolo, weighing duel strength, aerials, xG, role fit and cost.
