James Copley

Trai Hume paid tribute to former Sunderland teammates Dan Neil, Dennis Cirkin and Anthony Patterson after their summer departures, calling them heroes for helping the club rise from League One to the Premier League. Hume said the exits were difficult for him and Luke O'Nien, but understood the players were seeking more regular game time. He also discussed his own encouraging pre-season, having scored twice while operating at right-back and in a more advanced role, and hopes to improve on his two goals from last season.

Sunderland U21s began their competitive campaign with a draw against Jong PSV at the Stadium of Light, in Matt Craddock’s first competitive match since replacing Graeme Murty. Goalkeeper Joe Cowan was the standout performer after making several point-blank saves, while Jenson Jones, Archie Lightfoot and Aji Alese also delivered solid defensive performances.

Sunderland U21s opened their Premier League International Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Jong PSV at the Stadium of Light, in Matt Craddock’s first competitive match as head coach. PSV took the lead through Keziah Ogene Mensal’s overhead kick, but Felix Scott quickly equalised. Sunderland missed several chances to go ahead before PSV dominated parts of the second half. Goalkeeper Joe Cowan made several important saves, while Aji Alese produced a late defensive block to help Sunderland withstand sustained pressure and secure a point.

Trai Hume says he is willing to play anywhere Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris asks, including right-back, a more advanced role or centrally. He believes Le Bris’s trust and his own confidence enable him to adapt across the team’s shape. After Sunderland’s pre-season victory over Stade Rennais, Hume identified the need for stronger starts to matches, despite the team’s ability to improve and dominate after half-time. His versatility is expected to be valuable as Sunderland manage Premier League, Europa League and domestic cup commitments.

Maurice Hepworth recalls how he nearly died from internal injuries while captaining Sunderland’s reserves just days before the club’s 1973 FA Cup final against Leeds United. The 19-year-old had already been devastated after Bob Stokoe chose Joe Bolton for the Wembley squad, but his injury made missing the final insignificant. After recovering in hospital, where Sunderland’s victorious players brought him the FA Cup, Hepworth resumed his career with Arcadia Shepherds in South Africa and later returned to Sunderland. Despite proving his fitness, Stokoe told him he would not play for the club again, a rejection Hepworth still remembers as heartbreaking. His new book, Add To You: Lessons from a Life of Football, Family and Faith, documents his football career, business life and Christian faith.

A gallery of 70 photographs showing Sunderland supporters before, during and after the club’s final pre-season friendly against Stade Rennais at the Stadium of Light. The match served as Sunderland’s final preparation before their Premier League opener away to Ipswich Town.

Sunderland have agreed a £25.7 million package with Toulouse for 20-year-old France youth international left-back Dayann Methalie, including £24 million guaranteed and £1.7 million in add-ons. Sporting director Florent Ghisolfi led the negotiations and overcame serious interest from Newcastle United and AS Roma. Methalie was persuaded by Sunderland's young-player pathway, recent progress under Régis Le Bris, and the prospect of Premier League and Europa League football.

Sunderland have reached a full agreement with Toulouse to sign left-back Dayann Methalie for a package worth £25.7 million, comprising £24 million guaranteed and £1.7 million in add-ons. Methalie has agreed personal terms and is expected to complete a medical and formalities on Wearside. Sunderland resisted Toulouse’s demands for an ever-higher headline fee, publicly signaling that they could pursue alternatives, and ultimately agreed a deal with more guaranteed money and stronger payment terms. Sporting director Florent Ghisolfi’s negotiating stance is presented as a key factor in securing the long-standing target.

Sunderland’s decision to negotiate a new contract with Romaine Mundle is defended despite his injury problems, limited Premier League minutes and inconsistent performances. Mundle missed 198 days with hamstring injuries in 2025–26 and failed to score or assist in roughly 400 league minutes, but his previous Championship output, age, potential resale value and manager Régis Le Bris’s support make retaining him a reasonable gamble. Competition from Nilson Angulo and Chemsdine Talbi means Mundle does not need to become an immediate starter, while Sunderland’s participation in the Premier League, Europa League and domestic cups could allow the club to manage his minutes and rebuild his confidence.

Trai Hume says Sunderland’s established core remains a major strength despite the demands of a season featuring Premier League and Europa League football. He welcomes the increased competition created by summer signing Thomas Meunier, whose Champions League and international experience has already benefited Hume during pre-season. Hume says further transfers may still occur, but stresses that the existing squad must remain fit, professional and ready for a heavier schedule. He also views competition from Meunier, Nordi and Marcel as positive for Sunderland’s performance and development.

A gallery of 87 photographs captures Sunderland supporters before, during and after the club’s pre-season friendly against Stade Rennais at the Stadium of Light. The coverage highlights the large turnout, colourful atmosphere and fan excitement ahead of Sunderland’s Premier League season.

Sunderland ended pre-season with a 2-1 comeback win over Stade Rennais at the Stadium of Light. Esteban Lepaul put Rennes ahead from the penalty spot after Dan Ballard’s foul, but Brian Brobbey equalized with a powerful finish before Trai Hume completed the turnaround. The match also featured Luke O’Nien’s humorous clash with Lepaul, injury-related absences, Romaine Mundle’s return, and Sunderland’s switch of dugouts to meet UEFA requirements ahead of the Europa League. Transfer reports suggesting an agreement with Toulouse for left-back Dayann Methalie briefly overshadowed the game, while Wilson Isidor and former striker Eliezer Mayenda received warm receptions from the home supporters.

Wilson Isidor is reportedly seeking a new Sunderland contract that would roughly double his wages despite interest from West Ham United, Ipswich Town and Hull City, which has offered £10 million. Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris has publicly insisted that Isidor will stay, citing his importance during a season involving the Premier League, Europa League and domestic cups. Isidor scored six Premier League goals last season, and Sunderland may give him more opportunities alongside Brian Brobbey.

Trai Hume praised Eliezer Mayenda after the former Sunderland striker received a warm reception during Rennes' 2-1 pre-season defeat at the Stadium of Light. Hume said Mayenda needed regular first-team football after limited opportunities at Sunderland. He also reflected positively on Sunderland's preparations, including wins over Rennes and RC Lens and a training trip to the United States ahead of a season featuring Europa League travel. Sunderland now faces a difficult Premier League opener at newly promoted Ipswich Town before hosting Fulham.

James Copley recounts how he and Phil Smith mistakenly identified Sunderland defender Aji Alese as a mystery trialist after he shaved his head, using the error to argue that journalists should slow down rather than rush unverified transfer stories. He also recalls a courteous encounter with Sunderland sporting director Florent Ghisolfi, whose humility helped establish a positive first impression. The column’s central ethical point concerns the premature circulation of Denver Hume’s retirement after a serious brain injury and the disclosure of bereavement news before the family’s planned announcement. Copley argues that health and death-related information require privacy, judgment and public-interest justification, and that being first is not worth causing distress to affected individuals or families.

Luke O’Nien is expected to start Sunderland’s Premier League opener at centre-back against Ipswich Town, reflecting how dramatically his status has improved. After being repeatedly questioned during Sunderland’s rise from League One to the Championship and Premier League, O’Nien overcame shoulder surgery, limited early opportunities and a red card against Manchester City to establish himself last season. Manager Régis Le Bris now considers him ready and reliable at Premier League level, allowing Sunderland to avoid rushing Omar Alderete back from injury. The club still needs more defensive depth for its Premier League and Europa League schedule, but any new centre-back would now compete with O’Nien rather than replace him. His resilience and continued improvement have made supporters broadly comfortable with him starting despite the likelihood of future mistakes.

Wilson Isidor returned to action for Sunderland in a 2-0 pre-season win over RC Lens, scoring after coming off the bench. The striker then posted a positive message to supporters saying he was happy to be back with the team and would see them at the Stadium of Light the following week. His comments come amid reported interest from Hull City and Ipswich Town, but Sunderland’s position is that he is not for sale and will play an important role during a season featuring Premier League and Europa League football.

Sunderland is praised for pricing Europa League tickets reasonably rather than exploiting exceptionally high demand for the club’s first European campaign in more than 50 years. The decision, attributed to chief Tom Burwell, is presented as commercially sensible because a full Stadium of Light can strengthen team support, supporter loyalty and secondary revenue. The praise is balanced with criticism of the P1 Travel arrangement, poor communication, limited ticket-office resources and recent ticket-account problems. The piece argues that Sunderland should become more commercially ambitious without squeezing supporters, whose loyalty is a major competitive advantage.

Chris Rigg has responded impressively to being left on the bench for Sunderland’s pre-season match against RC Lens, contributing assists for both goals after coming on. His performances across the summer have established him as a genuine first-team option despite fierce competition from Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Enzo Le Fée and Habib Diarra. Although he may not start against Ipswich, Sunderland’s Premier League, Europa League and domestic-cup schedule should provide ample opportunities. At 19, Rigg’s improving quality, versatility and mentality could eventually make him a player worth more than £50 million.

Sunderland AFC has issued guidance after supporters reported widespread problems logging into online ticketing accounts, resetting passwords and accessing membership information following changes to the club’s ticketing system. Fans have expressed frustration ahead of the new season, particularly over concerns about ticket purchases and lost Black Cat points history. The club is directing affected supporters to its FAQs and Help Centre, promising responses from the Ticket Office within 72 hours, but has not indicated that upcoming ticket sales will be delayed.

Simon Adingra’s potential move from Sunderland to West Ham could be complicated after images appeared to show the winger wearing a protective boot on his left foot. He reportedly suffered a knock during Sunderland’s pre-season win over Wrexham, although the club has not indicated the severity and the boot may be precautionary. Adingra, signed for about £20.5 million from Brighton last summer, returned from a loan spell at Monaco after scoring three goals and providing two assists in 17 appearances.

Sunderland defeated RC Lens 2–0 in a pre-season fixture in France, with Trai Hume opening the scoring after a Chris Rigg assist and Wilson Isidor finishing a counter-attack set up by Chemsdine Talbi and Rigg. Thomas Meunier made his debut, while Granit Xhaka and Enzo Le Fée returned to action. Sunderland managed several injury scares involving Xhaka, Le Fée, Brian Brobbey and Dan Ballard, but no serious problems were reported. The organised performance earned Sunderland the specially created coal-made 1906 Trophy and provided encouragement ahead of the new campaign, although the club still needs further signings.

Sunderland are reportedly monitoring Sassuolo left-back Josh Doig, but face competition from Marseille and Olympiakos for the 24-year-old Scotland international. Doig has played in Italy since leaving Hibernian in 2022, moving from Hellas Verona to Sassuolo for £5 million in January 2024, and made 30 Serie A appearances during the 2025–26 season. Sunderland are also pursuing Toulouse defender Dayann Methalie as sporting director Florent Ghisolfi seeks to strengthen Régis Le Bris’s squad.

Dayann Methalie missed Toulouse’s latest pre-season friendly because of what the club described as a minor injury, prompting speculation among Sunderland supporters that a transfer may be progressing. Sunderland are reportedly pursuing the 20-year-old defender after Toulouse rejected an opening offer of about €20 million, with an improved proposal reportedly exceeding €25 million including add-ons. Toulouse are seeking approximately €30 million, or £25.7 million, while president Olivier Cloarec says no agreement has been reached. Methalie, primarily a left-back who can also play as a wing-back or left-sided centre-back, made 30 appearances and scored twice during the 2025–26 season.

James Copley reflects on Sir Bob Murray’s lasting contribution to Sunderland AFC and the city, particularly through the Stadium of Light, Academy of Light and Beacon of Light. He acknowledges the failures during Murray’s tenure but argues that the infrastructure he created laid foundations for the club’s future. Copley also revisits his early doubts about Régis Le Bris, admitting he mistook the manager’s quiet manner for weakness. Le Bris is now credited with guiding Sunderland to promotion, Premier League survival, a seventh-place finish and European football through calm authority, preparation and difficult decision-making.

A conversation between José Fonte and Dan Ballard during Sunderland’s pre-season win over Wrexham is presented as an encouraging early sign of Fonte’s potential impact as the club’s new technical assistant coach. Fonte brings extensive experience from a 24-year playing career, including Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph and Lille’s 2020–21 Ligue 1 title, as well as exposure to elite managers and defensive systems. Although playing excellence does not guarantee coaching success, his recent experience, understanding of modern dressing rooms and expertise in centre-back play could benefit Ballard and Sunderland’s wider defensive group.

Former Sunderland goalkeeper Kelechi Chibueze has retired from professional football at 22 after losing his passion for the game. He says injuries, limited playing opportunities and being used primarily to support first-team training at Leicester damaged his enjoyment of football. Sunderland gave him a more positive environment, but his lack of senior-match experience made it difficult to secure another club after his release. Unsuccessful opportunities at Sutton, Telford and Colchester, combined with misleading or uncertain trial arrangements and poor financial prospects, ultimately led him to pursue a career away from football.

Fabrizio Romano says Matías Soulé could leave Roma either during the current transfer window or at its end. Sunderland are reportedly interested in the versatile Argentine attacker, but any deal would require a significant financial commitment. AC Milan are not currently pursuing him, although they could reconsider if they fail to sign other attacking targets. Sunderland are also considering Sporting CP’s Geny Catamo and Bayer Leverkusen’s Ernest Poku.

Anthony Patterson’s strong performance against Wrexham highlighted his quality, improved command of crosses and extensive experience for Sunderland. However, Robin Roefs has secured the starting role and appears difficult to displace, while Patterson is likely to want regular first-team football after his loan spell at Millwall. Sunderland could benefit from keeping him as a homegrown deputy and cup goalkeeper, but a sale valued at roughly £8 million to £10 million would offer a strong financial return. A permanent departure remains the likeliest outcome, although Sunderland should not undervalue him.

Sunderland have confirmed Ahmed Abdullahi’s permanent transfer to Turkish Süper Lig club Eyüpspor. The 22-year-old Nigerian striker joined Sunderland from Gent in 2024 after scoring 21 goals for Jong Gent, but injuries prevented him from making a senior competitive appearance. After previous trials with Marseille and Borussia Dortmund, Abdullahi will now seek regular first-team football in Turkey.

Robin Roefs made his return for Sunderland in a 1-0 pre-season victory over Wrexham in Philadelphia, playing the opening hour as Nordi Mukiele scored the only goal. After rejoining the squad, the goalkeeper praised Sunderland’s close-knit team environment and said the players were eager to begin the competitive season after last campaign’s strong finish. He also expressed gratitude for the supporters who travelled to Nashville, New Jersey and Philadelphia, calling it an honour to play for them.

Former Sunderland and Fulham striker Josh Maja is reportedly set to join Ligue 1 club Le Havre on a free transfer after rejecting a new contract from West Bromwich Albion. The Nigeria international is expected to sign a two-year deal with an option for an additional season, ending a three-year spell at West Brom during which he scored 19 goals in 81 appearances. Maja began his career at Sunderland, later played for Bordeaux and Fulham, and will join Le Havre after the club finished 14th in Ligue 1 last season.

West Ham United have reportedly approached Sunderland about signing striker Wilson Isidor, preferring a loan with an option to buy. Sunderland are said to value the 25-year-old at around £20 million and have not indicated that they want to sell, with manager Régis Le Bris continuing to regard him as part of his plans. A departure would leave Sunderland short of centre-forward options after Eliezer Mayenda’s move to Rennes, meaning the club would likely demand a substantial permanent fee or strong financial guarantees before agreeing to a deal.

Enzo Le Fée missed Sunderland’s 1-0 pre-season win over Wrexham in Philadelphia because of a minor injury, but he was later seen completing 10 to 15 minutes of running work. While the exercise does not confirm a diagnosis or return date, it suggests the midfielder is unlikely to face a prolonged absence. Sunderland will continue to manage his workload as preparations for the new season progress.

Danny Batth has joined Millwall on a one-year contract after impressing during a trial, becoming the club’s seventh signing ahead of the 2026–27 season. The 35-year-old defender will reunite with former Sunderland head coach Alex Neil, under whom he helped Sunderland win promotion from League One in 2022. Millwall director of football Steve Gallen highlighted Batth’s leadership and extensive experience, while the move also enables young defender Kamarl Grant to gain league experience on loan.

Sunderland are continuing negotiations with Toulouse over left-back Dayann Methalie, with the French club seeking around £25.7 million after receiving an offer worth more than £21.4 million including add-ons. West Ham are exploring moves for Sunderland winger Simon Adingra and forward Wilson Isidor, although no formal offer has been made for Isidor and Adingra’s valuation is currently above West Ham’s budget. Sunderland value Adingra at about £30 million and previously valued Isidor at roughly £25 million.

Tommy Watson has joined Leicester City on a season-long loan from Brighton & Hove Albion for the 2026–27 League One season, subject to English Football League approval. The 20-year-old former Sunderland winger previously spent the second half of the season at Millwall and made six Premier League appearances for Brighton. Watson became notable at Sunderland after scoring a stoppage-time winner against Sheffield United in the 2025 Championship play-off final, before moving to Brighton for about £10 million. Leicester hope the loan will support their bid for an immediate return to the Championship while giving Watson regular senior football.

Sunderland signing Thomas Meunier has rejected a report claiming he had agreed to join Marseille before moving to the English club. Responding on social media, the Belgium international said he had “never had an agreement” with Marseille. The 34-year-old joined Sunderland on a free transfer from Lille and is expected to add experience and tactical versatility under manager Régis Le Bris as the club prepares for Premier League, domestic and European competition.

Danny Welbeck has joined Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion on a two-year contract after scoring 13 Premier League goals in 37 appearances last season. The 35-year-old becomes Chelsea’s third summer signing, marking a shift from the club’s recent preference for younger players on long-term deals. Welbeck previously played for Sunderland on loan during the 2010–11 season, as well as Manchester United, Arsenal and Watford, and has won 42 England caps. He was omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Mason Burstow has joined Sheffield Wednesday on a season-long loan from Hull City for the 2026–27 League One campaign. The 22-year-old scored 12 goals while on loan at Bolton Wanderers last season and helped them win promotion through the play-offs. Sheffield Wednesday sporting director Simon Wilson believes Burstow is still improving and will contribute through pressing, link-up play and chance creation. Burstow previously played for Charlton Athletic, Chelsea, Sunderland and Hull City, scoring once in 20 appearances for Sunderland during the 2023–24 Championship season.

A Sunderland transfer story about Lucas Bergvall was traced to a fake social-media account impersonating journalist David Ornstein, prompting a warning that transfer reports must be verified at their original source. The notebook also charts Charlie Dinsdale’s rapid progress from an overlooked academy player to a professional-contract recipient after improving physically and mentally. In contrast, former Sunderland goalkeeper Kelechi Chibueze has retired after failing to secure another serious playing opportunity, illustrating the uncertainty and abrupt reversals that can define football academy careers.

Charlie Dinsdale has made a rapid rise through Sunderland’s academy, progressing from second-year scholar and under-18 football into the under-21 team and first-team pre-season involvement. The technically gifted 18-year-old midfielder, who can also play in advanced or wide positions, impressed during Sunderland’s victory over York City by assisting Tom Proctor. His physical development, improved mentality and versatility have helped him attract attention from manager Régis Le Bris, although he must now establish himself at under-21 level before making the difficult transition to competitive senior football.

Roma are reportedly considering Sunderland midfielder Habib Diarra as a possible replacement if Manu Koné leaves, although no offer or formal talks have been made. Diarra joined Sunderland from Strasbourg for around £30 million in 2025, becoming the club’s record signing, and is contracted until 2030. Sunderland are not seeking to sell him and expect him to play a major role under Régis Le Bris this season, leaving the club in a strong negotiating position if Roma’s interest develops.

Sunderland supporters have reacted enthusiastically to Hummel’s new 1937-inspired home kit, praising its button-up collar, retro crest, traditional red-and-white stripes, and return to black shorts and socks. Some fans called it a masterpiece and an all-time classic, while others suggested it could surpass recent popular designs. Minor criticism focused on the crest’s color and the overall styling, with one supporter preferring last season’s kits. Fans also asked whether Europa League name sets would be released.

Dayann Methalie reportedly wants to join Sunderland, giving the club encouragement in ongoing negotiations with Toulouse for the 20-year-old left-back. Sunderland’s latest offer is understood to exceed £21.4 million including add-ons, while Toulouse are seeking a package worth £25.7 million after the club’s recent sale of Emersonn to Ipswich Town. Methalie has reportedly agreed personal terms on a five-year contract, but the clubs have yet to reach an agreement. Sunderland consider left-back a priority following Dennis Cirkin’s departure, with Reinildo currently their only established senior option in the position.

Chris Rigg, Enzo Le Fée, Timur Tutierov and Tom Proctor have impressed in Sunderland's opening pre-season fixtures against York City and Liverpool. Rigg has looked increasingly comfortable in a deeper midfield role, Le Fée has excelled as a number ten, Tutierov has strengthened his case for a senior-squad place and Proctor has shown promising energy and movement. Leo Hjelde and Melker Ellborg have struggled to convince, although both have time to improve and Ellborg's previous Premier League performances offer reassurance. Upcoming matches against Wrexham, Leeds United, Rennes and Lens will provide further evidence before final squad decisions are made.

Jocelin Ta Bi has suffered another setback after his visa application prevented him from joining Sunderland’s pre-season tour of the United States. The winger had already lost valuable time through injury after an encouraging FA Cup appearance, despite later impressing with the Ivory Coast Under-21s and showing flashes of significant potential for Sunderland. The missed tour has denied him training, team-building and a chance to impress Régis Le Bris, but Sunderland still need a right-sided attacking option and continue to rate him. With time to regain fitness and establish himself, Ta Bi could still recover the lost ground.

Reports that Sunderland have agreed a deal to sign Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall are inaccurate, according to the Sunderland Echo. Although Sunderland, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest were linked with the Sweden international, no agreement has been reached and Bergvall is not currently moving to the Stadium of Light. The 20-year-old is valued at about £50 million and is under contract with Tottenham until 2031, giving the London club considerable negotiating leverage. Sunderland are still expected to add quality before the transfer window closes, despite pursuing a more measured recruitment strategy.

Dan Ballard made his first pre-season appearance for Sunderland after ankle surgery, playing 45 minutes in the club's 4-2 defeat by Liverpool in Nashville. He described the heat and Liverpool's pressing as demanding but said the match offered valuable preparation. Ballard praised Sunderland's travelling supporters and backed Enzo Le Fée to carry his excellent equalising goal into the Premier League and Europa League campaigns.