Sunderland begin the 2026-27 Premier League season facing their first European competition since 1973-74, following a seventh-place finish last season under manager Régis Le Bris. The club's rapid rise from League One in 2022 to continental football has surprised pundits, and the question now is whether they can avoid "second-season syndrome" after such a dramatic upward trajectory. Despite some pundits pointing to relegation-level underlying statistics from last season, Sunderland enter the campaign with an unusually settled squad and strong morale.

Crucially, no key player has been sold this summer, and captain Granit Xhaka recommitted to the club despite interest from Chelsea, lifting spirits further. The squad features several highly rated players, including Enzo Le Fée, Chris Rigg, Robin Roefs, Noah Sadiki and Nordi Mukiele, alongside striker Brian Brobbey. Off the pitch, majority owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus (64% stake) has largely won over sceptical fans, though a controversial Visit Ghana shirt sponsorship and rising corporate hospitality have caused some friction. Guardian writers predict a 14th-place finish this season, a marked drop from last year's seventh.