West Ham Sunderland David Sullivan
(Credit: Imago)
Max Wilkins
Wed 9 July 2025 16:04, UK
Sunderland are showing West Ham up in the transfer market.
The Black Cats were promoted to the Premier League through the play-offs last season after a late, late Tommy Watson winner at Wembley.
There was immediate fear for their safety in the top tier, given the true lack of top-level experience in the squad at the Stadium of Light.
These feelings are starting to fade away somewhat, resulting in frustration at the London Stadium, something which reflects badly on the E20 hierarchy.
Regis Le Bris and Sunderland earned promotion to the Premier League (credit: Imago)
Sunderland showing up West Ham after transfer update
There is yet to be a single signing come through the doors at Rush Green at this stage of the summer window.
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This represents a bold move from the Hammers, given how poor last season was, after what appeared to be a largely positive window.
The likes of Niclas Fullkrug and Guido Rodriguez were well-received by West Ham fans, but ultimately failed to have a positive impact in East London.
Regardless of this, other signings are still required this summer to help provide Graham Potter with the foundations to build a side in his image next season.
David Sullivan is yet to open his cheque book and back his manager, something which Sunderland haven’t been afraid of doing already this summer.
The Mackems look set to sign Simon Adingra from Brighton for a set £18million fee with £2.5m in add-ons after personal terms were agreed [Keith Downie, 9 July].
This looks set to take the summer spend over £100m for Regis Le Bris’ side, something which the Irons need to learn from, and quickly.
David Sullivan, West Ham
David Sullivan has questions to answer at West Ham
West Ham must follow Sunderland example in transfer window
Although many fans in East London may suggest that the Black Cats have signed a “lower level of player” this summer, that really isn’t the case.
There is an argument to be made that at least Enzo Le Fee, Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra would feature regularly in claret and blue next campaign.
Name Fee
Enzo Le Fee £20m
Noah Sadiki £15m
Habib Diarra £30m
Chemsdine Talbi £19m
Reinaldo Free
Simon Adingra £20.5m*
TOTAL £104.5m*
Sunderland summer spend so far (*pending transfer)
This trio have also been added to by Chemsdine Talbi and Reinildo, two players who certainly wouldn’t be out of place in Potter’s side.
If this doesn’t represent a wake-up call for Sullivan and Co., then nothing else will, especially with Mohammed Kudus set to leave for Tottenham.
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