Jason Jones

Sunderland are reportedly close to signing Royal Antwerp midfielder Jules Ahoka in a deal believed to be worth about £8.6 million. Club-to-club and personal terms are said to have been agreed, with the 20-year-old DR Congo international given permission to travel to Sunderland for a medical. Ahoka has impressed in early-season appearances for Antwerp and at the Toulon Tournament. The move would address Sunderland’s need for reinforcements after a difficult transfer window, during which a deal for Toulouse left-back Dayann Methalie stalled following a medical issue. Head coach Régis Le Bris said the club remains patient and organised while working to strengthen the squad.

Sunderland's 2026 summer transfer window closes on September 1 at 11pm, with deal sheets allowing clubs until 1am to complete qualifying transfers. Thomas Meunier is the club's only incoming player so far, while numerous players have departed, including Eliezer Mayenda to Stade Rennais and Antony Patterson to Wrexham. Sunderland are still expected to consider additions at left-back or left-sided centre-back, right wing and possibly striker. Manager Regis Le Bris says the club is working carefully to find players who fit its specific profile, while stressing that new signings do not automatically make the team stronger.

Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips expects the club to make three or four signings within the next few weeks, possibly beginning in the next few days. Despite Sunderland having made only one addition, veteran full-back Thomas Meunier, Phillips says recruitment work is progressing behind the scenes and urges frustrated fans to trust the process. He attributes the slow transfer market partly to clubs’ reluctance to act before the World Cup.

Sunderland’s friendly against RC Lens could provide valuable opportunities for six fringe players: Jenson Seelt, Romaine Mundle, Jocelin Ta Bi, Simon Adingra, Alan Browne and Anthony Patterson. Each faces an uncertain place in the squad, with possible loans, transfers or competition for limited roles, but strong performances in France could improve their chances of staying, earning minutes or attracting other clubs.

Former Sunderland striker Ross Stewart has joined Swansea City on a free transfer after leaving Southampton in June. The Scotland international signed a three-year contract, with head coach Vitor Matos and sporting director Ben Stevens praising his Championship experience, goalscoring record and leadership qualities. Stewart scored 40 goals in 80 appearances for Sunderland between 2021 and 2023, including in the 2022 League One play-off final, but struggled with injuries during his Southampton spell.

Sunderland's preseason meeting with Wrexham and former manager Phil Parkinson is presented as a symbolic reminder of the club's transformation. Since Parkinson's brief tenure during Sunderland's period of turmoil, Wrexham have risen through three promotions under his leadership, while Sunderland have progressed from Championship promotion to Europa League qualification under Regis Le Bris. The club's US tour, including high-profile promotion in Memphis and New York, reflects a growing international profile and a shift away from the pity and notoriety associated with its Netflix exposure. The reunion offers a useful contrast between Sunderland's troubled past and its renewed status among Europe's football elite.

Simon Adingra’s Sunderland career has failed to match expectations despite his £21 million arrival and a promising goal against Leeds. After a January loan to AS Monaco and limited World Cup involvement, the winger is expected to leave Sunderland before the transfer window closes because of competition for places on the left flank. His energetic half-hour appearance against Leeds in Harrison, New Jersey, where he operated on the right, nevertheless demonstrated a strong attitude and suggested that a future club could still secure a significant talent.

Former WBA super-middleweight champion George Groves has backed the prospect of Sunderland boxer Josh Kelly fighting at the Stadium of Light, calling it an amazing opportunity. Kelly recently defended his IBF light-middleweight title against Caoimhin Agyarko in Saudi Arabia, extending his winning streak to nine fights since his 2021 defeat by David Avanesyan. Groves praised Kelly's recent form and determination but said staging a major home event would depend on finding an opponent capable of attracting a large crowd.

Jordan Henderson has mutually terminated his Brentford contract and issued an emotional farewell after one season at the Premier League club. He is reportedly close to joining Chelsea, where manager Xabi Alonso is seeking additional experience. Former Sunderland loanee Danny Welbeck is also said to be nearing a move to Chelsea from Brighton after agreeing personal terms and undergoing a medical.