Sunderland’s World Cup watchlist and history
Survey of Sunderland’s World Cup history, from Willie Watson and Stan Anderson to 2026’s 12 call-ups including Granit Xhaka, Brian Brobbey, Robin Roefs and Lutsharel Geertruida.
In 1999 Peter Reid tried to sign Barcelona defender Miguel Angel Nadal to replace Andy Melville, but Nadal chose Mallorca. Sunderland instead added Steve Bould and Thomas Helmer.
World Cup watchlist for Sunderland: Kerim Alajbegovic, Victor Muñoz, Anis Hadj Moussa, Yacine Titraoui, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jhon Lucumi and Abdul Fatawu, all linked after strong 2025-26 seasons.
Sunderland join Tottenham in the race for Grêmio’s left-footed centre-back Viery. Grêmio rejected €12m bids and await a €17m plus €3m bonuses offer, targeting €20m-€25m.
Sunderland can buy RB Leipzig right-back Lutsharel Geertruida for €20m now. Leipzig expect a World Cup call-up to boost his price, so delaying could cost more. Liverpool links cooled, Feyenoord out.
Millwall weigh a cheaper goalkeeper than Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson, with Wigan’s Sam Tickle at £1.5m-£2m touted as an alternative to an £8m move for the Black Cats loanee.
After sealing Europa League football, Sunderland are urged to spend £87m on four signings to build a stronger starting XI.
Sunderland eye Parma centre-back Mariano Troilo, valued at £20m. Leeds, Brentford and Fulham also keen after his strong second half of 2025-26. Europa League demands drive Black Cats’ push for depth.
