Sunderland source shares damning assessment of play-off heroes amid Premier League relegation verdict
Sunderland have already demonstrated that they plan on staying in the Premier League for the long haul.
Before the season started, the Black Cats were the favourites to suffer relegation, which was no surprise given they came up via the play-offs.
However, Sunderland have bagged some eye-catching results under Regis Le Bris, with their recent away win at Nottingham Forest a statement victory.
Now, a source from within the North East club has shared a brutally honest assessment of the Wearsiders’ Championship stars.
Sunderland would get relegated with play-off winning team
Habib Diarra was a landmark acquisition for Sunderland, becoming the most expensive signing in their history at £30million.
The Senegal international was just one of a host of arrivals on Wearside, almost all of whom look an absolute steal.
While the players who achieved promotion deserve immense credit, there has evidently been no room for sentiment.
Alan Browne is one of several players to have left Sunderland and spoke of his frustration at not being given a chance in the top flight.
- Jobe Bellingham was sold to Borussia Dortmund
- Tommy Watson joined Brighton
- Patrick Roberts signed for Birmingham City on loan
- Browne linked up with Middlesbrough on loan
Now, a key figure within the North East club has revealed the little faith they had in Le Bris’ promoted contingent.
“Let’s be honest, if we had kept the same team we had last season in the Championship we would be heading back there in May,” a senior figure said via The Telegraph on 3 October.
Although that source is probably right, it will do little for the confidence of the players who have remained at Sunderland.
Which of Sunderland’s play-off winners have performed the best?
Indeed, Le Bris’ team is mostly made up of summer arrivals, but some of the old guard have already played a significant role this term.
Wilson Isidor bagged his latest goal against Aston Villa and already has three goals to his name in the Premier League.
As expected, Trai Hume has continued to impress, having been named as Sunderland’s 2024-25 Player of the Season.
While he lost his place due to injury, Dan Ballard has contributed heaps, with his goal and defensive exploits steering the Black Cats to a famous win over West Ham.
Elsewhere, Eliezer Mayenda has a goal to his name, while Chris Rigg was handed his first start against Forest.
Yes, the Wearsiders’ promoted cohort would have struggled, but some have already contributed substantially in the Premier League.
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