adminWhile other Northeast clubs lose their cool in the summer transfer window, Sunderland are quietly rebuilding with purpose ahead of a promising new season.
Regis Le Bris is targeting a 20-man core squad for the upcoming campaign—a necessary expansion as the Black Cats balance Premier League duties with Europa League football, earned through last season’s surprise seventh-place finish.
Few predicted such a rise for the newly promoted side, but they’re determined to prove their success wasn’t a fluke. Central to that ambition is getting the best out of Brian Brobbey, now one of the league’s standout forwards.
Brobbey’s rise to Premier League elite
On paper, Brobbey’s seven goals in 31 league games last season might seem modest. But dig deeper, and his impact is undeniable.
Described by journalist Antonio Mango as “a freight-train when dribbling,” the Dutchman’s relentless, physical style has made him a nightmare for defenders. For Sunderland, he’s been more than a target man—he’s the engine of their attack, a constant handful for any backline.
Despite summer interest from Manchester United and Bayern Munich, the Wearsiders look set to keep the 24-year-old, whose value rose further after a three-goal showing for the Netherlands at the World Cup in North America.
Brobbey will need to boost his tally this season, but he’ll also need more support up front—a problem Le Bris is actively addressing.
Sunderland chase Brobbey’s ideal partner
Brobbey shone in 2025/26, but Sunderland’s attacking output as a whole lagged behind. Upgrades are essential. Pairing him with a complementary talent could be the answer.
According to Tutto Sport, Sunderland are in talks over Roma attacking midfielder Matias Soule, who could be sold this summer to fund the Serie A club’s moves.
Valued at €35m (£30m), the 23-year-old would match Sunderland’s record signing of Habib Diarra. Fulham are also keen, and while neither club has opened official negotiations, both are ramping up discussions with Soule’s agent.
Meanwhile, Roma’s pursuit of Real Madrid prospect Franco Mastantuono—if they beat Fiorentina to his signature—could accelerate Sunderland’s chances of landing Soule in a potentially shrewd deal.
Soule’s career has been uneven; he hasn’t quite replicated his breakout loan spell at Frosinone (2023/24) since moving to Roma. But even his quieter moments outshine most players’ best.
Still one of Europe’s most exciting attacking talents, a move to Sunderland might seem a step down to some, but it could be transformative—offering European football, a rising squad, and a chance to become their attacking focal point.
Alongside Brobbey’s physical presence, Soule could thrive. The Dutch striker’s link-up play is tailor-made for a tricky winger like Soule, who journalist Zach Lowy has praised for his “special” ball control and flair for the spectacular. With 21 Europa League appearances already under his belt, Soule has the pedigree for English football.
Last season, he notched six goals and five assists in Serie A, missing only two big chances—a sign of his finishing sharpness that could complement Brobbey perfectly. While Brobbey bulldozes through defences and creates space, Soule’s silky dribbling and positional awareness could reignite the 11-goal form he showed at Frosinone.
Le Bris is fully aware that Sunderland will fight on four fronts this term. Premier League survival is the priority, but deep European runs and a domestic cup challenge aren’t out of the question. It’s a heavy workload, yet there’s something special brewing on Wearside. With Brobbey and Soule linking up in attack, another blockbuster season could be on the cards.
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