League: EPL Sport: Soccer Country: England Category: Recruiting

Sunderland prepares for 2026-27 EPL season amid relegation concerns

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 13, 2026, 5:52 AM

Last updated Aug 13, 2026

Sunderland prepares for 2026-27 EPL season amid relegation concerns

Summary

Sunderland is entering the 2026-27 Premier League season after finishing seventh in their return to the top flight, qualifying for Europe for the first time since 1973. Despite overcoming expectations last season, there are doubts about their ability to replicate this success, highlighted by poor underlying performance metrics. The team faces the challenge of 'second-season syndrome' among promoted sides and has European commitments to manage. Analysts suggest that improvements in squad depth and the absence of the Africa Cup of Nations may benefit Sunderland this term. Their next fixture will be critical in determining their trajectory this season.

Source Links

BBC Sport

Key Details

•Sunderland finished seventh in the Premier League last season.
•The club qualified for European competition for the first time since 1973.
•Concerns persist regarding relegation and second-season syndrome.
•Sunderland's underlying statistics suggest performance may not match results.
•The absence of the Africa Cup of Nations could enhance squad performance.

Latest Updates

5:52 AMBBC Sport — Can Sunderland defy the Premier League doubters again?

What they're saying

"
Sunderland were one of the stories of the 2025-26 Premier League season - but can they do it again this time around, with added European commitments?
— BBC Sport

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