Sunderland ramps up recruitment for debut Europa League

Sunderland AFC is preparing for a significant summer of squad reinforcement as the club gears up for its first European campaign in over five decades. Having secured a seventh-place finish in the Premier League last season, the Black Cats have qualified for the 2026-27 UEFA Europa League, creating a pressing need for greater squad depth and quality.

Manager Regis Le Bris has already made his first move, securing the free transfer of experienced Belgian defender Thomas Meunier on a two-year deal. The former Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund player brings extensive European experience, having made 91 appearances across the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League.

The club's recruitment drive appears focused on young, dynamic talent from across Europe. According to reports, Sunderland is close to completing a transfer for 22-year-old French attacking midfielder Noe Lebreton from Dutch side NEC Nijmegen. Lebreton, a France Under-21 international, scored seven goals and provided six assists in 27 Eredivisie appearances last season, helping NEC qualify for the Champions League preliminary rounds.

Sunderland's interest also extends to other promising young...