Back in the Premier League for the first time since 2016-17, Sunderland are wasting no time reinforcing their squad following promotion via the play-offs. Since securing top-flight status, they’ve broken their transfer record twice and have been among the most active clubs in the summer market.
Below is a comprehensive look at all the first-team arrivals and departures during this busy transfer window.
INCOMING TRANSFERS
Enzo Le Fée
- From: Roma
- Fee: £19.3 million
- Position: Midfielder
- Age: 25
Sunderland’s first summer signing was automatically triggered after promotion, due to a clause in the French midfielder’s loan deal from January. Despite an injury during his loan spell, Le Fée impressed across 18 appearances. He penned a four-year deal and briefly held the club’s transfer record.
Habib Diarra
- From: Strasbourg
- Fee: £30 million
- Position: Midfielder
- Age: 21
The Black Cats shattered their transfer record again to bring in Diarra, who captained Strasbourg. He chose Sunderland over interest from fellow promoted club Leeds and signed a five-year contract.
Noah Sadiki
- From: Union Saint-Gilloise
- Fee: £15 million
- Position: Midfielder
- Age: 20
A versatile young talent, Sadiki became Sunderland’s third eight-figure signing of the window. The Belgian prospect signed a five-year deal after being convinced by the club’s project and long-term ambitions.
Reinildo Mandava
- From: Atletico Madrid (Free Agent)
- Fee: Free
- Position: Left-back
- Age: 31
The most seasoned addition so far, Reinildo joins after three years with Atletico and a Ligue 1 title with Lille. The Mozambican international has signed a two-year deal and finally realizes his dream of playing in the Premier League.
Chemsdine Talbi
- From: Club Brugge
- Fee: £18 million (rising to £21.5m with add-ons)
- Position: Winger
- Age: 20
With Champions League pedigree, Talbi joins Sunderland on a five-year deal. The Moroccan winger is another exciting addition to a squad increasingly defined by youth and potential.
Simon Adingra
- From: Brighton
- Fee: £21 million
- Position: Winger
- Age: 23
Adingra brings Premier League experience to the fold, having made 60 appearances and scored eight goals for Brighton. The Ivorian signs on for five years and is expected to be a key attacking threat.
OUTGOING TRANSFERS
Tom Watson
- To: Brighton
- Fee: £10 million
- Position: Winger
- Age: 19
A homegrown talent and play-off hero, Watson’s winning goal secured Sunderland’s promotion. However, his move to Brighton had already been agreed in April, and he now departs for the Premier League side on a four-year deal.
Jobe Bellingham
- To: Borussia Dortmund
- Fee: £27 million (plus up to £4m in add-ons)
- Position: Midfielder
- Age: 19
Following in his brother Jude’s footsteps, Jobe heads to Dortmund after two strong seasons at Sunderland. The transfer could become the most lucrative outgoing deal for a newly promoted Premier League side.
Nathan Bishop
- To: AFC Wimbledon
- Fee: Undisclosed
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Age: 25
After just one league appearance for Sunderland, Bishop moves permanently to League One outfit AFC Wimbledon, where he’s signed a three-year contract following two short loan spells last season.
LOAN DEALS
Adil Aouchiche
- To: Aberdeen
- Length: Season-long (with £1.5m purchase option)
- Position: Attacking Midfielder
- Age: 22
Having spent the latter half of last season at Portsmouth, Aouchiche heads to the Scottish Premiership with Aberdeen, who could make the move permanent next summer.
Sunderland are clearly building for both the present and the future. With significant investment and a clear recruitment strategy focused on youth, potential, and dynamic talent, the Black Cats are signaling their intent to stay in the Premier League — and thrive.
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