Sunderland Transfers: A Look at the Black Cats’ Terrific Summer Window

Sunderland have made a huge impact in the current transfer market, with seven signings already confirmed. The Black Cats have spent more than any club outside the Premier League’s so-called ‘Big Six’, reportedly investing a massive £140 million – a figure that doubles their previous summer transfer record.

But this is not just a matter of bolstering squad numbers – Sunderland are bringing in proven quality as they prepare to face the demands of top-flight football, as well as a renewal of their historic rivalry with Newcastle. This bold approach is a clear signal of intent from the club.

Here is a comprehensive look at Sunderland’s transfer activity so far this summer:

Granit Xhaka (Midfielder)

The most eye-catching deal is undoubtedly the signing of former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka, for a reported fee of around £17 million.

Xhaka had become a crucial figure in Arsenal’s midfield, developing into a graceful yet powerful presence under Mikel Arteta. He then played a key role in Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga title-winning campaign under Xabi Alonso.

Many Arsenal supporters still argue that Xhaka’s departure in the summer of 2023 weakened their side, stripping the midfield of composure and resilience. The fact that Arteta targeted Mikel Merino as a replacement a year later adds weight to this theory.

Now at Sunderland, Xhaka brings elite-level experience and natural leadership. His presence immediately upgrades the midfield and makes him an indispensable figure in the club’s Premier League campaign.

Habib Diarra (Midfielder)

Sunderland’s new club-record signing, Diarra, arrived for a reported £30 million and is expected to fill the void left by the departure of Jobe Bellingham.

Replacing Bellingham is no small task, but Diarra impressed with Strasbourg last season, playing a central role in their qualification for European competition – a feat achieved just twice in two decades.

Diarra’s style is a dynamic blend of power and intelligence, ideal for linking midfield to attack. The Senegal international contributed five goals and nine assists across 30 Ligue 1 appearances. He also scored in Senegal’s 3-1 win against England at Wembley in June.

Energetic in possession and tenacious in defence, Diarra has the tools to become a fan favourite at the Stadium of Light.

Simon Adingra (Winger)

Adingra’s reputation as one of English football’s most exciting young talents was cemented during Brighton’s 2023/24 campaign, where he emerged as a key performer. His standout moment came during the Africa Cup of Nations, where he starred for Ivory Coast in the final, providing both assists in their 2-1 triumph over Nigeria.

Adingra was named Best Young Player of the Tournament, with his stock rising quickly thereafter.

However, the arrival of head coach Fabian Hürzeler and winger Yankuba Minteh limited Adingra’s minutes in the 2024/25 season, allowing Sunderland to strike.

Adingra fits head coach Régis Le Bris’ vision for a fast, counter-attacking style. His pace and dribbling make him a perfect addition to the Black Cats’ revamped forward line.

Enzo Le Fée (Midfielder)

Enzo Le Fée is already a familiar name to Sunderland supporters. The creative midfielder made 11 league appearances during the second half of the 2024/25 season after joining on loan from AS Roma.

Now signed permanently, Le Fée’s flair and technical quality are expected to be central to Sunderland’s attacking play. His commitment to the club was clear before the Championship play-off final.

“I said before the playoff final that my heart was in Sunderland,” he explained. “I wanted to stay, and this made it the most important game of my life.”

Primarily used on the left flank last season, Le Fée may shift into a more central role this year due to the club’s abundance of wide options.

Chemsdine Talbi (Winger)

Another exciting wide player, 20-year-old Chemsdine Talbi arrives following a breakout season with Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League.

Talbi made headlines by scoring twice in a 3-1 win over Atalanta that secured Brugge’s place in the last 16. In a narrow 3-2 defeat at Manchester City, only Phil Foden completed more progressive carries than Talbi’s four.

Those numbers have clearly impressed Sunderland’s recruitment staff.

In the Belgian Pro League, Talbi recorded 95 progressive carries, ranking fourth overall. Diarra, likely to play on the opposite flank, ranks in the 88th percentile among midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries (2.3 per 90 minutes), according to FBRef.

Sunderland are evidently targeting players who can drive with the ball and break defensive lines.

Noah Sadiki (Midfielder)

Signed for a reported £15 million, Sadiki joins from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, where he played a pivotal role in their Belgian Pro League title win.

Sadiki is a central midfielder known for his excellent dribbling and ability to glide through opposition lines. At just 20 years old, he represents another high-upside investment by Sunderland.

Despite his youth, Sadiki has experience at European level, featuring in every minute of Union’s Europa League victories over Ajax and Nice last season. His composure and versatility should serve the Black Cats well as they adapt to life in the Premier League.

Reinildo (Left-back)

Rounding out Sunderland’s summer arrivals is experienced left-back Reinildo, who signs on a free transfer following a three-year stint with Atletico Madrid.

Although he was not always a guaranteed starter under Diego Simeone, Reinildo made 99 appearances for the Spanish giants and was trusted in several key matches.

His standout performance last season came in the Champions League round of 16, where he played the full 90 minutes as Atletico Madrid secured a 1-0 victory over city rivals Real Madrid.

Keeping a clean sheet against an attack featuring Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham highlights the calibre of defender Sunderland have acquired. Reinildo brings essential top-level experience that newly-promoted clubs rarely possess.