Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media

Alex Oakhill

Tue 5 August 2025 7:00, UK

Sunderland have been tipped to give a few Premier League teams a scare next season following their recent signing.

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The Black Cats are aiming to become the first promoted side to avoid an immediate return to the Championship in three years.

This summer, they have spent more money in the transfer market than relegation rivals Burnley and Leeds, in an attempt to beat the drop.

Sunderland have added the likes of the likes of Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, and Simon Adingra, and most recently, Granit Xhaka.

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 that the signing of Xhaka makes Regis Le Bris’ side an exciting prospect next season.

Sunderland have signed Xhaka (Credit: Getty)

This article contains exclusive comment from Keith Wyness, former Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen CEO.

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Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that Sunderland have the ability to challenge a number of the top Premier League teams, and give them a real scare.

Last season, Leicester City, Ipswich, and Southampton were relegated straight back down to the Championship after coming up the season before, with Luton Town, Burnley, and Sheffield United suffering the same fate 12 months earlier.

Wyness added that Sunderland won’t have the same problems that some of the past promoted teams have had.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “They’ve made some interesting signings.

The manager’s done a great job and it’s great to have Sunderland with an exciting story.

“I just don’t see Sunderland having the same problems Luton had, or that Southampton had last season.

I think they’re going to challenge, and they’re going to give a few teams a scare.

“It’s exciting.

This is the sort of thing that gets me excited for the season.”

Regis Le Bris will have to mould his Sunderland squad together (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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