Sunderland pre-season set, transfer link and standout moments
Sunderland decline Bertrand Traore’s extension as 15 depart, including Cirkin and Huggins. Talks continue over a €23m permanent move for versatile loanee Lutsharel Geertruida, recently called up by the Netherlands.
Podcast roundup: Sunderland’s pre-season fixtures confirmed, Jocelin Ta Bi stars at Maurice Revello, several players shine for their countries, club linked with Celtic’s £25m utility man, Cirkin exit discussed.
Liverpool end interest in Lutsharel Geertruida despite prior personal terms, boosting Sunderland’s chances of a permanent deal. The RB Leipzig defender focuses on the World Cup before deciding his future.
Europa League rules limit Sunderland’s A list to 25 with 8 home-grown, including 4 club-trained. Club-trained: Patterson, Jones, Johnson. Association-trained options include Ballard and O’Nien; some key players ineligible.
Sunderland are ‘particularly’ keen on Kerim Alajbegović, but Roma have made contact with a €30m offer. The 18-year-old winger, re-signed by Leverkusen, will decide after the World Cup.
Fulham prepare a €20m bid for Parma centre-back Mariano Troilo, moving ahead of Sunderland. Parma likely to reject as they seek an auction after his standout 2025/26, including a winner at AC Milan.
Season awards celebrate Sunderland’s 2025/26: Talbi’s thunderbolt v Burnley, Brobbey leveller at Spurs, derby win at Newcastle, Ballard’s Wolves red, loud Liverpool away end, emphatic 3-0 opening win v West Ham.
Opinion piece says Sunderland must add attacking quality, touting a £22m target rated a bigger talent than Chris Rigg.
Personal tale of decades of Sunderland pain turning to joy: play-off triumphs, Wembley release and a final-day win over Chelsea securing European football, shared across three generations.
