#sunderland-afc

#sunderland-afc

Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League this summer was impressive on a number of levels. A head coach in Regis Le Bris, in his first season in English football, laying waste to the theory of needing significant time to adapt working within the cut and thrust of the Championship. A club who had only returned to the second tier in 2022, without parachute payments to boost spending on transfer fees and wages. But all underpinned by an incredibly youthful squad - their average starting age of 23 years and 316 days was the youngest in the division - with academy graduates forming a consistent core.

Arthur Masuaku has signed a two-year contract with Sunderland, marking his return to the Premier League after departing Turkish side Besiktas, enhancing the team's defensive experience.

"I'm very happy to sign a new contract. I think everybody knows that for me, this is my team, my club, my city - so it's a special moment."

Noah Sadiki has signed a five-year deal with Sunderland after playing a key role in Union SG's first Belgian title success in 90 years last season.

"I know people doubted us, it was understandable, we lost a few games, people talk about momentum. But I think we did enough and showed enough in the season for people to give us some credit going into the play-offs."

Tonight marks the beginning of the Championship playoffs, with Coventry facing Sunderland in the first leg of the semi-finals at 8pm BST.