How does Sunderland’s net spend in the transfer market compare to their Premier League rivals over the last five years?
Sunderland have completed just one incoming deal during the summer transfer window as Regis Le Bris and his players prepare to compete in the Europa League during the new season.
That is all a far cry from the hive of activity just 12 months ago when the Black Cats transformed their promotion-winning squad and laid the foundations for one of the most memorable seasons in the club’s long and proud history. The likes of Dutch goalkeeper Robin Roefs, former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka and Dutch international Brian Brobbey were all secured throughout the summer, helping Sunderland surpass all expectations to secure a seventh place finish and earn a place in European competition for only the second time in their history.
The current Sunderland AFC chairman and owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.placeholder image
The current Sunderland AFC chairman and owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus. | Getty Images.
Although Sunderland did spend big last summer, they also recouped some funds with the sales of midfielder Jobe Bellingham and Academy of Light product Tommy Watson to Borussia Dortmund and Brighton and Hove Albion respectively. Further income was secured during the current transfer window as Eliezer Mayenda was sold to Ligue 1 club Rennes in a deal that has reportedly netted Sunderland a significant profit on the £1m they spent to land the Spain Under-21 international during the summer of 2023.
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That has reduced the Black Cats’ net spend over the last five seasons as they progressed from League One to the top level of English football - but how does that spend compare to the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and other Premier League rivals?
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Premier League net spends over last five seasons
Chelsea (£-861.97m)
Tottenham Hotspur (£-680.43m)
Manchester United (£-610.71m)
Arsenal (£-570.73m)
Manchester City (£-480.86m)
Liverpool (£-454.44m)
Newcastle United (£-292.23m)
Nottingham Forest (£-212.65m)
Bournemouth (£-205.16m)
Ipswich Town (-£202.91m)
Fulham (£-167.68m)
Brentford (£-134.61m)
Sunderland (£-116.32m)
Everton (£-80.68m)
Crystal Palace (£-69.73m)
Coventry City (£-46m)
Leeds United (£-33.78m)
Brighton and Hove Albion (£-14m)
Hull City (£0.76m)
Aston Villa (£11.62m)