Sunderland returned to the Premier League in 2025 after eight years of absence and spent money in the course of the summer season switch interval.
The black cat marked the window by spending greater than £100 million on new additions, with the likes of Granit Xhaka and Habib Diarra shifting to the Stadium of Mild.
However earlier than, Sunderland largely signed some legends within the recreation. From Virgil van Dick to Kevin de Bruin, the Black Cats have nearly landed these world-class stars.
10 gamers largely signed by Sunderland
10
Virgil Van Dijk
Between 2013 and 2015, Virgil Van Dijk starred in Celtic, whereas Gus Poyet was accountable for the Hikari Stadium in Sunderland.
Van Dijk beforehand admitted to having a dialog about signing Black Cats throughout Poyet’s tenure, however as a substitute selected one other crew with pink and white stripes in Southampton.
9
Kevin de Bruin
In 2011, Kevin De Bruyne got here to Belgium with Genk and was appointed Steve Bruce, then Sunderland boss.
The Black Cat and Aston Villa had been combating it for De Bruin, but it surely was Chelsea who gained the race. Though it did not work for him at Stamford Bridge, he grew to become a Manchester Metropolis Premier League legend.
Kevin de Bruyne Report vs Sunderland | |
|---|---|
recreation | 5 |
I am going to win | 4 |
draw | 0 |
loss | 1 |
the aim | 2 |
help | 3 |
8
Diego Maradona
In 1977, Diego Maradona entered the scene as a teen, making her Argentinean debut.
On the membership degree, the attacker was with the Argentino junior, however he truly needed to maneuver to the UK and signal Sunderland. Sadly for the black cat, Argentina has declared Maradona “can’t translate.” Daniel Arcucci, an Argentinian biographer, mentioned:
“The primary supply Maradona obtained was from Sunderland, England in 1977, and Maradona needed to go. He mentioned, ‘If you happen to do not promote me to Sunderland, I am retired.’ On the time, we had no democratic authorities they usually declared that they may not switch him.
7
Luis Suarez
Sunderland was on the lookout for a brand new striker for his accomplice Darren Bent in 2010, and the man may need been Luis Suarez.
Suarez was at Ajax on the time, and Sunderland despatched scouts to see him, however as a substitute signed Ghana’s Asamore Gan following the World Cup.
6
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Sunderland tried to signal Zlatan Ibrahimovic twice beneath Peter Reed early within the iconic striker’s profession.
The Swedes have scored enjoyable objectives with Ajax and have moved on to stars Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Maine UTD.
“When he was at Ajax, we moved to the Stadium of Mild, so I went. We had a gathering. We thought we had an opportunity, however we supplied no £600, however they needed extra.”
5
Ruud Van Nistelrooy
Reed additionally tried to signal Rood van Nistelroy for Sunderland when the Dutch had been with Healenben.
The striker was nonetheless younger and had a asking worth of £5 million. Van Nistellouis signed PSV Eindhoven earlier than changing into a Manchester United legend.
“He is a top quality participant and the man he was making an attempt to purchase three seasons in the past when he was nonetheless unknown. That was proper after we returned to our first division (the championship).
“I believe he was solely 19 when he was taking part in for Heerenveen. However they had been quoting £5 million, however on the time it wasn’t too costly for gamers.
4
Diego Forlan
One other former male UTD striker who may play for Sunderland was Diego Forlan. He needed former Crimson Devils teammate Roy Keene throughout his time because the Black Cats supervisor.
Nonetheless, as a substitute of signing Sunderland, Foran moved from Villarreal to Atletico Madrid in 2007.
“Roy Keene referred to as me when he was in Sunderland. ‘Diego’ he mentioned.
3
Paul Scholes
1996/97 The Premier League season was his remaining season at Roker Park, ending with the relegation of the Black Cat.
But when Sunderland signed Paul Shoals from Mann UTD, which may have been completely different. The long-lasting British midfielder has been in his third 12 months as an skilled at Previous Trafford, and regardless of the Black Cat’s eagerness to commerce, he was by no means obtainable.
Paul Shoals Data vs Sunderland | |
|---|---|
recreation | 15 |
I am going to win | 13 |
draw | 2 |
loss | 0 |
the aim | 4 |
2
Robbie Keene
Maybe one of the underrated strikers in Premier League historical past, Robbie Keene grew to become extra more likely to turn out to be a Sunderland participant in 2002.
Actually, the Blackcats agreed to a charge with Irish ahead Leeds, however Keene joined Tottenham a 12 months later and refused to maneuver north.
1
Joe Hart
For goalkeeper Joe Hart, the four-time Premier League Golden Globe winner, the transfer to Mild of Mild was on the cardboard in 2016.
David Moet was in cost and mentioned the membership was in a position to land the English shotstopper, however Hart himself mentioned he had stole Sunderland and as a substitute signed a mortgage to Turin on the Italian aspect.
