Sunderland are back in the big time..
They earned promotion back to the Premier League in the 2024/25 season.
This is after their 2-1 win over Sheffield United in the playoff final.
Sunderland were once a staple in the Premier League calendar.
From 2007 until 2017, they were mainstays in England’s top flight.
However, back-to-back relegations saw them plummet to League One.
Their misery was further compiled by the documentary ‘Sunderland till I die’.
This allowed the whole world to see what went down behind the scenes.
Sunderland’s shortcomings on the documentary also gave football fans a real insight into the city’s community.
The affect their results were having on fans was evident.
As a result, a lot of people grew to develop a soft spot for Sunderland.
When they beat Sheffield United in the play-off final, neutral fans were very happy to see the Black Cats back in the Premier League.
For neutrals, Sunderland are fresh addition rather than a team who has been back and forth between the top two divisions in recent years.
Fans will also be treated to a Tyne-Wear derby once again.
Sunderland will want to make sure this is back to being a regular fixture.
However, there has been a recent trend in the Premier League.
In the past two seasons, all three promoted sides have gone straight back down.
Sunderland will want to make sure they have the squad to cope with the demands of the Premier League.
They appear to have found their man to help shore up their defence.
It has been reported that they are planning a move for ex Tottenham Hotspur defender Japhet Tanganga.
Tanganga, 26, played for Spurs for five seasons and made 27 Premier League appearances.
He has since moved to Millwall and is said to have a £1.2 million release clause with the club.
A side with the fourth best defensive record in the Championship last season, the addition of Tanganga will be a welcome one for Sunderland.
He played 43 times for Millwall in 2024/25, scoring two goals.
With previous Premier League experience, he will be a welcome addition to a team lacking any top flight experience of sorts.
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