Sunderland summer transfer window 2025: Top targets, budget, most likely signings and priority positions

Sunderland are finally back in the Premier League after a difficult eight-year absence, and they have been of the most active clubs in the transfer market as they prepare for 2025-26.

The Black Cats were in dire form at the end of the regular season in the second tier, and seeing their team lose their last five fixtures had fans bracing for yet another disappointment.

However, Regis Le Bris's side just about made it into the top flight by way of a dramatic Championship playoff final against Sheffield United, a match that featured two late goals and a last-gasp winner from Tommy Watson.

The return of the Tyne-Wear derby will be a standout moment in the division's calendar this season, and the Stadium of Light is sure to relish hosting such a fiery league clash once again.

That being said, the promoted club will not be content with merely visiting the top flight, and their transfer business certainly signals their strong intent to survive.

The new acquisitions have made a big impact at the Stadium of Light at this early stage of the season, with Sunderland already claiming six points from their first three Premier League fixtures.

Sunderland are not done with transfers yet though, as the Black Cats are reportedly looking to finalise a number of deals on transfer deadline day.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at Sunderland's transfer plans, including their top targets, budget and their most likely signings.

Top targets

Sunderland have already been extremely busy in the transfer market, bringing in 12 senior additions since earning promotion, but the club are reportedly set for a number of additional incomings on deadline day.

Acquiring another central defender appears to be the priority, and the club have agreed a deal for the loan signing with an option to buy for RB Leipzig's versatile defender Lutsharel Geertruida, while a bid for Bologna's Jhon Lucumi has also been placed.

Despite signing Marc Guiu as another option in attack, Chelsea have already cancelled the loan deal due to Liam Delap's injury, leaving Sunderland in the market for another striker.

The Black Cats had to be swift with such little time in the window, and the club have reportedly agreed a deal in principle with Ajax for Brian Brobbey, with the fee expected to be around £26m.

Sunderland also hold an interest in Getafe's Christantus Uche, though the club are battling with the likes of Aston Villa and Crystal Palace for the Super Eagles star.

Budgets

Having already spent over £150m this summer, Sunderland fans will be realistic over what else will be shelled out prior to the September 1 deadline.

However, with in excess of £50m having been recouped, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that they will take a chance on another notable name.

Most likely signings

At this point in time, Brobbey and Geertuida appear the most likely names to arrive at the Stadium of Light on transfer deadline day, with deals already in place for their signings.

However, a move for Lucumi is reportedly still in the works, with the club placing a bid for the defender, while a deal for Uche could still be struck in the final hours of the window.

Priority positions

As has already been alluded to, central defence is now the priority and that will remain the case unless any significant injuries occur before the end of the summer transfer window.

There is also now a need for a new striker after Chelsea recalled Guiu from his loan, though the club appear set to sign Ajax's Brobbey in the coming hours.