Overview
- A New Year’s Day win over Manchester City would lift Sunderland to fifth, with the side currently four points off a Champions League place.
- The Stadium of Light has been a stronghold, with just one league home defeat across 2025.
- Sunderland’s 2025 outlay was reported at £160 million, highlighted by the arrival of Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka and a club-record £31 million for Habib Diarra.
- Manager Régis Le Bris said the club tried to sign Tottenham’s Brennan Johnson for another record fee, though the forward is reported to be close to Crystal Palace.
- Le Bris emphasizes humility and consistency even as players such as Dennis Cirkin voice ambitions of European qualification.