Credit: Getty Images/Hasan Karim - Breaking Media

Alex Oakhill

Thu 31 July 2025 14:21, UK

Sunderland have agreed a “special” deal which could massively help their chances of avoiding Premier League relegation.

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The Black Cats are back in the top-flight for the first time since 2017, after winning promotion from the Championship last season through the play-offs.

This summer, Regis Le Bris’ side have been extremely busy in the transfer window, bringing in the likes of Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, and Simon Adingra, among others.

Then on Wednesday (30 July), Sunderland confirmed the signing of Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen for an initial £13million.

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes Xhaka’s addition brings vital experience to the promoted side.

Sunderland have signed Xhaka (Credit: Getty)

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that despite having a similar net spend to Leeds and Burnley, Sunderland’s transfer activity has stuck out due to the number of quality signings.

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The Black Cats have spent around £115m so far this summer, but managed to sell Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund back in June for a club record £30m.

Wyness added that Sunderland are building something special after the signing of Xhaka, and have taken some big chances so far in the transfer market.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I looked at the numbers.

I think Sunderland sold Bellingham for about £30m, and they’ve spent about £115m so far, so netting about £80m.

But Sunderland, to me, stick out as the one that have really excited me about what they could put together.

It’s great for football and I wish them all the luck because they’ve taken some chances here.”

Bellingham joined Dortmund earlier this summer (Credit: Hasan Karim – Breaking Media)

Meanwhile, Burnley have reportedly emerged as the favourites ahead of Leeds United and Sunderland in the race to sign Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who claims that the 32-year-old is Scott Parker’s top target to replace James Trafford.

Johnstone’s Premier League experience and reliability are seen as key assets for the Clarets as they prepare to fight for survival next season.

Football Insider revealed in May that Johnstone is ready to leave Wolves in this summer’s transfer window in search of increased playing time.

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