After promotion to the Premier League via the play-off final, Sunderland will have the least amount of time of all 20 top tier English teams to prepare for next season.
Leeds United and Burnley secured their automatic promotion to the Premier League on 21st April, but Sunderland didn’t find out their fate until more than a month later.
Regis Le Bris’ side beat Sheffield United 2-1 at Wembley on 24th May, meaning they will have to quickly adjust their plans accordingly.
Of course, Jobe Bellingham’s Sunderland future is uncertain right now, a player who Le Bris will be seriously keen to keep in the top flight.
But there is good news in respect of the Black Cats’ transfer budget this summer, a side who have not spent more than £10m in a single season since 2017.
Finance expert Kieran Maguire has now provided an update in that regard via BBC Sport, stating that Sunderland were in ‘good financial shape’.
Maguire wasn’t so buoyed about both Burnley and Leeds’ budgets this summer, but he was confident that Le Bris’ side could ‘reinforce significantly’.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
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Enzo le Fee’s loan move from Roma will be made permanent this summer via an obligation clause, and the Frenchman could kickstart an exciting summer for Sunderland fans.
Adding to that promising news, Maguire explained: “Since being relegated from the Premier League in 2017, Sunderland have not spent more than £10m in a single year on player signings, despite receiving parachute payments, and they have only made losses of £18m in the last two seasons.”
Of course, Jordan Henderson is being linked with a Sunderland return, a player who may not demand a significant transfer fee, but one who would surely make an impression on their wage bill.
Jamie Vardy might be the perfect signing for Sunderland
It remains to be seen how Sunderland will look to strengthen for the Premier League, a squad that will need additions in several areas.
As well as experience and Premier League quality, Le Bris also needs to add goals to his side, even if Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda both contributed positively last season.
Perhaps Jamie Vardy might be an option, a striker who will leave Leicester City on a free transfer.
The Premier League veteran might only represent a short-term move, but he certainly embodies all of the qualities mentioned.
Vardy and Henderson might prove to be an effective duo for Le Bris in the top flight, the kind of experienced heads who could make a real difference.