Ousmane Dembele sends Sunderland message ahead of play-off final v Sheffield United
Sunderland are set for their biggest game in recent history on Saturday as they take on Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final.
Regis Le Bris’ side is just one match away from the Premier League as they look to return to the English top-flight for the first time since 2017.
Promotion is set to be worth £120million for Sunderland, which could help them against the massive battle of Premier League survival.
Saturday’s task is no doubt a daunting one, but the Black Cats have plenty of support ahead of their trip to Wembley.
Ousmane Dembele tells Sunderland to ‘take final step’
Multiple stars have expressed their hope that Sunderland will win the play-offs.
Before their match against Coventry City, former player and current Manchester United star Amad Diallo wished Sunderland luck.
On top of this, many Premier League fans also want the Black Cats back in the top-flight over the Blades.
However, the Stadium of Light faithful may be surprised to find out Ousmane Dembele also wished Sunderland good luck ahead of the final.
The PSG star and current Champions League finalist is believed to be a close friend of Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.
The World Cup winner has been spotted at some matches this season and has now expressed his hope that the Black Cats go up.
He wrote on Instagram (24 May): “Good luck today! Great job this season, now time to take the final step. All the best at Wembley.”
Play-off final could be the most important game in Sunderland’s history
While the benefits of winning the play-offs are huge, the implications of not winning the final could be damning for Sunderland.
The gap between the Premier League and the Championship is only getting bigger, and the window for sides to stay in the top-flight after promotion is closing rapidly.
| Sunderland’s record against Sheffield United | |
| Wins | 67 |
| Draws | 26 |
| Losses | 54 |
On top of this, many of Sunderland’s stars have been linked away.
Jobe Bellingham’s future is still unclear, and if the Black Cats aren’t promoted, the midfielder will almost certainly leave, with Chris Rigg another who could move on.
Therefore, the final could be the most important game in Sunderland’s history if they do not want all of their good work from the past few seasons to be dismantled over the summer.