Sunderland 2026/27: The Black Cats' European Adventure
Everyone tipped them to go straight back down. Instead, Sunderland finished seventh, qualified for Europe for the first time in 53 years, and turned the Stadium of Light into one of the stories of the season. Now the sequel begins.
Part of our complete guide
Premier League 2026/27 Hub: All 20 Clubs, Every Kit, One Home →From Play-Off Heroes to European Nights
Sunderland won the 2024/25 Championship play-off final to return to the top flight, and then did something nobody expected. In their first Premier League season since promotion they took 54 points — the most by a newly promoted side since Leeds United's 59 in 2020/21 — and their seventh-place finish was the best by a promoted team since Wolves in 2018/19. That was enough for a Europa League place: the club's first European campaign in 53 years, dating back to 1973.
The 2026/27 season is about consolidation with a continental twist. The Black Cats opened the campaign with a win and a loss — three points from two — and now balance domestic survival with Thursday-night football under the lights.
Captain Xhaka and the Le Bris Project
The figurehead is Granit Xhaka. The Switzerland international joined from Bayer Leverkusen in summer 2025 for around €22.9m (£17.2m) and was made captain almost immediately. Despite a late-window approach from Chelsea, he made clear he wanted to stay — and Le Bris called the matter "closed." Last season Xhaka played 34 league games, scored once and led the team with six assists, while topping the squad for touches (2,295) and passes (1,807). His experience is the spine of a young, fearless side.
Manager Régis Le Bris has built a side that presses, stays compact, and punches above its wage bill — exactly the profile that makes a promoted team a genuine dark horse rather than a relegation candidate.
2026/27: Consolidation With a European Twist
Shop Sunderland's 2026/27 Kit
Four current Sunderland jerseys are listed below. Want a name on the back? Our custom name & number service lets you add Xhaka #34, Brobbey #9 or any squad player — just note it at checkout.
Frequently Asked
When did Sunderland last play in Europe?
1973. The 2026/27 Europa League is the club's first European campaign in 53 years.
Who is Sunderland's captain?
Granit Xhaka, who wears #34 and joined from Bayer Leverkusen in summer 2025.
Which new signings joined in summer 2026?
Meunier, Danso, Méthalie, Fofana, Angulo and Ahoka — six arrivals in total.
Can I get a Sunderland shirt with a name on the back?
Yes. Use our custom name & number service to add Xhaka #34, Brobbey #9 or any squad player.