Nafisa
From Wembley Dreams to Premier League Reality: Sunderland’s Bold Rebuild and Why Fans Must Rise for the Biggest Battle Yet
The memory of that magical day at Wembley in May is still vivid—the nail-biting moment when Sheffield United’s second goal was ruled out after a tense VAR check, the surge of hope when Eliezer Mayenda’s strike smashed into the roof of the net, and the euphoria that erupted as Tommy Watson’s sublime finish nestled beyond Michael Cooper’s desperate reach. Those moments will live long in the hearts of Sunderland fans.
But as we left the stadium and walked back to Son No. 2’s university digs, thoughts were already turning to the enormous challenge of life back in the Premier League. How would our young side cope with the top flight? More importantly, how much backing would the club’s hierarchy provide to make us competitive?
Now, with the transfer window closed, that question has been answered emphatically. Few could have predicted the scale, quality, and cost of the incoming recruits. Stuart Harvey’s scouting operation has swept across Europe—France, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Spain, and Türkiye—while also strengthening from within the domestic market. The club has managed to blend youthful promise—Diarra, Sadiki, Talbi, Roefs, and Guiu—with battle-hardened Premier League experience in the form of Adingra, Masuaku, and, astonishingly, Granit Xhaka. Reinildo, Alderete, and Mukiele bring valuable European pedigree to the squad.
And it hasn’t stopped there. Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, advised by Kristjaan Speakman and the newly appointed Florent Ghisolfi, has opened the chequebook with real ambition. It’s almost easy to forget that Enzo Le Fée only became a permanent signing this summer.
The transformation hasn’t been limited to the pitch. While fans were glued to Fabrizio Romano’s feed for the next “Here we go” announcement, the Stadium of Light was undergoing its own makeover. Closed kiosks have reopened, offering new food options. The concourses have been redecorated to celebrate our proud heritage, complementing the upgraded lighting and sound systems from last season. Sunderland once again boasts a stadium worthy of the Premier League.
So, everything’s perfect for success—right? Not exactly. Surviving in today’s Premier League is an entirely different challenge compared to our last stint. Nottingham Forest spent over £140 million on new players before the 2022/23 season and still only scraped survival by four points. The following year, they were even closer to relegation. That’s the reality Sunderland faces. Despite the millions invested, this season will be a fight—a relentless battle for every single point until May.
Which is why, as fans, our role has never been more critical. Régis Le Bris has stressed it, and Graham Potter reiterated it after the West Ham match: the Stadium of Light atmosphere matters. Yes, the Burnley defeat and EFL Cup exit to Huddersfield have already sparked grumbling among some supporters—but we must rise above that.
Unity is essential. Every player, every match, every moment requires our full backing. Last season’s flat atmosphere toward the end, when Le Bris rotated for the play-offs, sent the wrong message and bled onto the pitch. And the vile treatment of Tommy Watson on social media? Utterly shameful—especially as the young man ultimately delivered promotion.
This season demands more from us than ever. Survival alone will be a monumental achievement. KLD and the board have delivered—promotion, major squad investment, top-quality coaching staff, and a refurbished stadium. Now it’s our turn.
We need to turn the SoL into a fortress—a hostile cauldron that makes seasoned Premier League sides tremble. Brentford may not be glamorous, but they’re established, and they’ll test us. And let’s not kid ourselves: there will be gut-wrenching defeats along the way—just ask Leeds after their drubbing by Arsenal last week.
But if we bring the passion, replicate the electric atmosphere from the West Ham game, and sustain it every single home match until May, we can make the difference. Sunderland fans have always been among the best. Now it’s time to prove it.
Ha’way the lads!
Nafisa
