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Sunderland Boss Speakman Confirms ‘Several’ More Signings on the Way in Ambitious Premier League Push
Sunderland’s sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has confirmed that the club is far from finished in the summer transfer window, despite already making significant moves. Speaking to Sky Sports just prior to the announcement of their sixth summer acquisition Simon Adingra from Brighton for an initial £18.5 million Speakman stated that the Black Cats are still pursuing “several” additions as they shape a squad designed not just to survive, but thrive in the Premier League.
“There are still multiple areas on the pitch where we need reinforcements,” Speakman revealed. “We’re always strategic and deliberate in our recruitment. It’s about remaining composed but knowing when to act decisively. We’ve never made knee-jerk decisions, and we won’t start now.”
He praised the club’s early signings, highlighting the ambition from owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and the clear direction Sunderland is taking. “We knew we had a few targets we really wanted to bring in early, and we moved decisively on them. It shows the vision and commitment we’re working with.”
Speakman acknowledged the scale of the Premier League challenge but reaffirmed the club’s long-term objective of reestablishing Sunderland as a stable top-flight force. “We’re aware of how difficult the step up is, but we’re focused on ensuring the club returns to its natural place historically around ninth in the Premier League. That’s where we believe we belong, and our first step is ensuring we stay up.”
He also emphasized the importance of team unity, stating the dressing room culture that helped secure promotion must be preserved. “You can see that players want to be here. They want to be part of something competitive, alongside other talented professionals. Last season showed how strong our group spirit is, and fans value that as much as results.”
Defensive Reinforcements Now a Priority
With several defenders Luke O’Nien, Dennis Cirkin, Aji Alese, and Leo Hjelde set to miss the season’s opening weeks, the need to bolster the backline has become urgent. Head coach Régis Le Bris, speaking after Sunderland’s friendly at South Shields, confirmed that recruitment is ongoing and that further squad decisions will follow their upcoming pre-season trip to Portugal.
“We’re in an important phase of assessment,” said Le Bris. “Only one new signing, Habib Diarra, featured against South Shields, but more will be integrated soon. It’s vital to get the squad gelled and physically ready as early as possible, even though the market rarely works to your ideal timeline.”
Le Bris admitted the coaching staff is still evaluating current players and that the situation is fluid. “With each session and game, we learn more about the squad we have. It’s a process. We’re constantly adapting as we prepare for the Premier League.”
As the Black Cats gear up for their Premier League return, the message from both Speakman and Le Bris is clear: the rebuild is ongoing, the ambition is high, and Sunderland still has plenty of business to do before the window slams shut.
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