Sunderland credit Speakman as Europa spot sealed
Feature tips free agents for Stoke, including ex-Sunderland left-back Dennis Cirkin, after Sunderland confirm his exit following limited minutes under Regis Le Bris.
U21s coach Graeme Murty is set to leave Sunderland after ‘raising standards’, having led the academy to Premier League 2 and Premier League Cup finals and promoted youngsters towards the first team.
Panel back Jocelin Ta Bi as rotation right winger in 2026/2027. Post-injury, he impressed for Ivory Coast U20s with four in four, offers dead-ball threat, and could cover Bertrand Traoré’s exit under Régis Le Bris.
Sunderland have contacted Juventus over Khephren Thuram, with a fee around €40m touted. Forest are also keen. Separate: Brighton consider activating Jakub Kaminski’s €20m clause by mid-July.
Sunderland hail Kristjaan Speakman’s blueprint after Europa League qualification. Despite hits and misses, his youth-focused recruitment, academy pathway and hiring of Régis Le Bris laid firm foundations.
Switzerland great Alexander Frei calls Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka ‘absolute world elite’, saying his strategic influence is vital as pressure builds after a 1-1 draw with Qatar at the World Cup.
Sunderland, Aston Villa and Newcastle have sent scouts for a £17m South American midfielder, with the Black Cats competing to land the in-demand target this summer.
Profile of Ian Macfarlane, coach and brief caretaker at Sunderland in 1976 who vowed to ‘sweat blood’, earned key results, but was overlooked for the job. His career spanned Chelsea, Carlisle, Man City and Leeds.
