Sunderland AFC enters the 2025/26 Premier League season with one of the most intriguing and high-value squads in recent club history. Under the tactical guidance of head coach Régis Le Bris, the Black Cats have successfully blended a core of homegrown talent with high-profile international signings. The squad currently consists of approximately 35 first-team players, featuring a mix of seasoned veterans like Granit Xhaka and some of the most exciting young prospects in European football, such as Chris Rigg.

The club's return to the top flight has been supported by a significant investment in the transfer market, resulting in a squad market value exceeding €340 million. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the Sunderland AFC players by position, highlighting the key figures expected to drive the club forward this season.

The Goalkeeping Unit: A New Era Between the Posts

The goalkeeping department underwent a significant transition in the summer of 2025. While the club has historically relied on academy graduates, the current selection offers a blend of youthful exuberance and veteran reliability.

Robin Roefs

Robin Roefs joined Sunderland in August 2025 from NEC Nijmegen and quickly established himself as the club’s preferred number one. The Dutch shot-stopper, standing at 1.93m, brought immediate stability to the backline. In his first few months in the Premier League, Roefs earned widespread acclaim for his shot-stopping ability and commanding presence in the air, notably picking up a Player of the Month nomination early in the campaign.

Simon Moore

An experienced hand in the dressing room, Simon Moore provides vital backup and mentorship. Having joined from Coventry City in 2024, Moore’s experience across the English football pyramid—including spells at Sheffield United and Brentford—makes him a dependable option when called upon for cup competitions or in the event of injury.

Melker Ellborg and Blondy Nna Nou Keu

Rounding out the senior goalkeeping group are Melker Ellborg and Blondy Nna Nou Keu. Ellborg represents the scouting department’s eye for Scandinavian talent, while Nna Nou Keu, who joined from Stoke City, provides additional depth following a successful trial period.

The Defensive Core: Versatility and Strength

Régis Le Bris has assembled a defensive unit characterized by its versatility. Several players within this group are capable of operating in multiple roles, allowing for fluid tactical shifts between a back four and a back five.

Central Defenders: Ballard and Alderete

The heart of the defense is anchored by Daniel Ballard. Since his arrival from Arsenal in 2022, Ballard has become a cult hero at the Stadium of Light. His ability to score crucial goals—such as his famous strike in the Championship play-offs—has translated well to the Premier League, where his physical dominance remains a key asset.

Partnering him is Omar Alderete, the Paraguayan international signed from Getafe in 2025. Alderete has been described as a "warrior" by the local press, bringing a level of grit and elite reading of the game that has helped Sunderland maintain one of the better defensive records among the mid-table sides.

The Full-Backs: Cirkin and the PSG Connection

On the left, Dennis Cirkin remains a vital component of the team’s attacking and defensive balance. A former Tottenham trainee, Cirkin has developed into one of the most consistent left-backs in the league. However, he now faces stiff competition from Reinildo Mandava, the experienced Mozambique international who arrived from Atletico Madrid with a resume that includes a Ligue 1 title with Lille.

The right-back position is arguably the strongest area of the squad. Trai Hume continues to be a fan favorite for his relentless work rate, but the arrivals of Nordi Mukiele (from PSG) and Lutsharel Geertruida (on loan from RB Leipzig) have elevated the competition to an elite level. Mukiele, in particular, has been a standout performer, offering a blend of pace and power that few wingers can bypass.

Other Defensive Options

  • Luke O'Nien: The club’s "utility man" and a spiritual leader of the squad. While his minutes on the pitch have become more selective in the Premier League, his leadership remains indispensable.
  • Leo Hjelde: Currently on loan at Sheffield United for the 2025/26 season to gain more first-team minutes.
  • Jenson Jones and Zak Johnson: Promising youngsters who represent the future of the club’s defensive line.

The Midfield Engine: Youth and Experience

The Sunderland midfield for the 2025/26 season is built around the "Xhaka Effect." The signing of the Swiss international was a statement of intent, providing the platform for younger talents to thrive.

Granit Xhaka: The Captain and General

Arriving from Bayer Leverkusen in 2025, Granit Xhaka took the captain’s armband and immediately dictated the tempo of Sunderland’s play. His passing range and leadership have been transformative, allowing the club to compete in the middle of the park against the league's heavyweights. As of early 2026, he leads the team in assists, proving his value as a deep-lying playmaker.

The Rise of Chris Rigg

At just 18 years old, Chris Rigg is the crown jewel of the Sunderland academy. Despite his age, he has become a regular fixture in the starting XI. Rigg’s ability to drive forward from midfield and his fearlessness in possession have made him one of the most talked-about teenagers in world football. His market value has skyrocketed to €25 million, reflecting his status as an elite prospect.

High-Value Additions: Diarra and Le Fée

The club broke its transfer record to bring in Habib Diarra from RC Strasbourg for approximately £30 million. Diarra provides the box-to-box energy required in the Premier League. Alongside him, Enzo Le Fée, signed from AS Roma, adds technical flair and creative vision. The combination of Xhaka’s discipline, Diarra’s energy, and Le Fée’s creativity has given Sunderland a highly modern and competitive midfield trio.

Midfield Depth

  • Noah Sadiki: A Belgian youth international who has impressed with his composure since joining from Union SG.
  • Abdoullah Ba: A versatile midfielder who can operate centrally or on the right flank.
  • Milan Aleksić: A rising Serbian talent providing depth in the attacking midfield role.
  • Harrison Jones: A local prospect pushing for more senior involvement.

The Forward Line: Firepower and Flair

Sunderland’s attacking options in the 2025/26 season are diverse, featuring traditional target men, explosive wingers, and technical forwards.

Brian Brobbey: The Main Man

The signing of Brian Brobbey from Ajax in September 2025 was a major coup. A powerful, clinical striker, Brobbey has shouldered the goal-scoring burden with aplomb. His ability to hold up the ball and link play has been essential for Le Bris’ transition-heavy system. As of the current season statistics, he is the club’s leading goalscorer.

Explosive Wingers: Talbi and Mundle

On the flanks, Sunderland possesses incredible pace. Chemsdine Talbi, a €20 million acquisition from Club Brugge, has been a revelation on the right wing. His trickery and eye for goal have already resulted in several match-winning performances. On the left, Romaine Mundle continues his development, providing a direct threat and excellent crossing ability.

Support and Rotation

  • Wilson Isidor: The French forward has been a consistent contributor, often used as a mobile striker who can exploit spaces behind the defense.
  • Eliezer Mayenda: A young striker with immense potential who has shown glimpses of world-class finishing.
  • Bertrand Traoré: The veteran winger provides top-level experience and a different tactical profile when the team needs to break down stubborn defenses.
  • Ahmed Abdullahi: A physical presence in the box who offers an alternative option in the closing stages of matches.

Summary of the 2025/26 Squad Dynamics

The current Sunderland AFC squad is a testament to the club's long-term vision. By moving away from the "stop-gap" signings of the past and focusing on players with high resale value and elite technical ceilings, the Black Cats have established themselves as a formidable Premier League outfit.

The departures of key players like Jobe Bellingham (to Borussia Dortmund for £32m) and Jack Clarke (to Ipswich for £20m) were handled strategically, with the funds reinvested into the likes of Habib Diarra and Brian Brobbey. Furthermore, the club’s decision to loan out established players like Anthony Patterson and Dan Neil ensures that these assets continue to play regularly while the current first-team squad benefits from the immediate quality of international stars like Xhaka and Mukiele.

Conclusion

Sunderland AFC’s roster for the 2025/26 season is arguably the most balanced it has been in decades. With a strong spine consisting of Robin Roefs, Dan Ballard, Granit Xhaka, and Brian Brobbey, the Black Cats are well-equipped to challenge for a top-half finish in the Premier League. The blend of academy products like Chris Rigg and marquee signings represents a sustainable model for success at the Stadium of Light.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is the current captain of Sunderland AFC? As of the 2025/26 season, Granit Xhaka serves as the club captain, bringing a wealth of international and Premier League experience to the role.

Who is Sunderland's most expensive signing in the current squad? Habib Diarra holds the record for the highest transfer fee, joining from RC Strasbourg for approximately £30 million in July 2025.

Where is Anthony Patterson playing this season? Anthony Patterson is currently on loan at Millwall for the 2025/26 season to ensure he maintains regular first-team minutes following the arrival of Robin Roefs.

Which young players should fans watch out for? Chris Rigg is the standout talent, but other youngsters like Chemsdine Talbi and Eliezer Mayenda are also making significant impacts in the first team.

What is the average age of the Sunderland squad? The squad maintains a healthy balance with an average age of approximately 25 years, blending youthful potential with veteran experience.