Sunderland will be all too aware of how challenging the Premier League can be, having been relegated four times from the intimidating division since its 1992 rebrand.
The Black Cats will be up against it too when you consider how poorly the newly promoted sides have done in recent memory, with the last six teams to go up triumphantly sinking straight back down with a whimper.
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Regis Le Bris, of course, will have other plans as he embarks on his first-ever season in England's well-known top-flight, but signings galore will need to take place to give the Frenchman and his wide-eyed team a fighting chance at survival.
One dream incoming would have been the amazing return of Amad Diallo to the Stadium of Light, but with his Old Trafford career finally now taking flight, it looks like an unlikely route to explore.
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Amad's fan favourite status at Sunderland
Rumours have already begun to circulate that the entertaining Ivorian could be on the Sunderland shopping list, with this deal perhaps even bolder than the Black Cats' reported attempts to tempt former star Jordan Henderson back to home turf.
A potential reunion will always catch the eye of Sunderland supporters just for how impactful Amad's first stint at the club was, with his heroics from down the right wing clinching playoff football for Tony Mowbray's men during the 2022/23 campaign.
They would eventually slip up at the semi-final stages, but nobody could knock the 22-year-old's efforts during the near-miss season, with Amad picking up a hefty 14 goals and four assists across 42 appearances.
Since then, he has been able to firm up his Manchester United starting spot under Ruben Amorim, scoring 11 goals this season, so a stunning move back to Wearside would surely be a tall order to pull off.
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But, Le Bris might well be able to win Sunderland's next version of the spellbinding 22-year-old if another move comes to fruition.
Sunderland could sign their new Amad
It will be all about striking a fine balance between picking up signings by the bucket load and ensuring the star performers from their promotion heroics are given a fair chance up a level.
As per a new report from GIVEMESPORT, the Black Cats could be about to bolster their attacking arsenal even more away from the likes of Romaine Mundle and Wilson Isidor with the addition of Kwame Poku. Indeed, the Mackems are just one of 26 clubs who are looking to seal the winger's signature on a free transfer after his contract with Peterborough United came to a close.
The concern on Sunderland's end, however, will be whether Poku can make that gigantic leap up from League One to the Premier League look seamless.
But, as was the case with Amad, he had never really been exposed to the ins and outs of the English game before his Stadium of Light loan experience - minus one or two United senior chances - with the rest now history as he tears up the Premier League for the Red Devils.
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The "unplayable" Ghanaian - as he was hyperbolically labelled by Peterborough United boss Darren Ferguson last season - could well take the top-flight by storm too if given time to impress, with Poku's trickery, flair and ability to finish off a chance at League One level making him very similar to Amad at his Black Cats peak and shows off a player ready for an increase in quality.
To rubber stamp that comparison, you only need to look at their dribbling numbers from the 2024/25 campaign with EFL hotshot, Poku, averaging 1.9 dribbles per match to Amad's 1.6. Their eel-like ability on the ball is almost uncanny.
Poku's overall Peterborough numbers
Stat
Games played
Goals scored
Assists
Trophies
L1 Player of the Month
LT Team of the Season
Sourced by Transfermarkt
Unfortunately for Le Bris and Co, they were unable to get the very best out of Amad over a long period of time, but with Poku - who is fresh off tallying up an insane 21 goal contributions from only 29 clashes last season - he will have so much more to give the cause permanently, considering he is only 23 and will be surrounded by some top-notch teammates equally eager to succeed up a division.
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He might not instantly hit the ground running, but if there's one location that should be able to get the optimum out of him eventually, it's Sunderland with the likes of Chris Rigg, Jobe Bellingham and Amad all blossoming here so early into their playing days.
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