Sunderland’s promotion from the First Division to the Europa League exceeded even the wildest dreams of their fans, whose expectations, far from being tempered, were dashed by a disastrous decline.
Returning to the Premier League a year ago was a big moment. The Black Cats finished seventh on their return and the rest is history, with their summer spending well rewarded.
This year, the market has been used more astutely, with the likes of Thomas Meunier, Dayan Metalli, Kevin Denso (on loan) and Malik Fofana strengthening the team’s cohesion.
Not many players have been signed, but regardless, the news that Enzo Le Fay has extended his tenure at Sunderland until 2031 cannot be discounted.
Why Lefe’s contract extension feels like a new signing
The success of Le Fay’s new contract with Sunderland cannot be underestimated. The French playmaker is quickly establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s finest midfielders.
A natural playmaker, LeFey’s value is much more than that. A versatile, combative player who has fit perfectly in Le Bris’ system, he arrived from Roma in July 2025 after the club spent half a season successfully in the Championship, making a positive impression from the start, helping them gain promotion.
He was outstanding last season, creating 13 great chances in the Premier League. Sunderland only created 64 goals in total, meaning that Le Fay was responsible for 20% of the team’s creativity.
Wearside are also one of the more fearful teams in the division to take chances, instead relying on their hard work and organisation. The Stadium of Light also played a big role.
But there are others who could offer more than Le Fay and, given that he is entering the penultimate year of his own contract, technical director Florent Gisolfi may want to start negotiations sooner rather than later.
Sunderland must extend LeBrie hotshot contract
Sunderland have made a solid start to the 2026/27 Premier League season. The international break has come to an end after defeats to title favorites Arsenal and Manchester City, but Le Bris’ side will be feeling aggrieved by two defeats.
There’s a lot to like about this new iteration of the LeBris era, with Granit Xhaka still charging the team through midfield. The former Arsenal captain joined from Bayer Leverkusen for £17m a year ago and has impressed.
A true all-round threat as a midfielder, Xhaka is certainly a real rival, but time is not on his side and some may argue his £100,000-a-week contract should be allowed to expire until 2028.
However, he appeared to be alive in the cabin. Xhaka has made a huge contribution for Sunderland in five games this season and it feels like losing the 33-year-old at the end of next season could be a disaster, such is his importance and influence as a leader and legitimate elite-level player.
Xhaka joins Sunderland in Premier League | ||
|---|---|---|
Statistics (* every 90) | 25/26 | 26/27 |
Game (start) | 34 (32) | 5(5) |
Goals + assists | 1+6 | 0+0 |
touch* | 67.5 | 75.6 |
Accurate pass* | 44.5 (84%) | 51.2 (87%) |
created huge opportunities | 9 | 5 |
Key Pass* | 1.0 | 2.6 |
Loss of ownership* | 12.6 | 14.0 |
success. Dribbling* | 0.3 | 0.8 |
Ball recovery* | 4.7 | 6.6 |
Tackle + Interception* | 4.9 | 3.0 |
Duel won* | 4.6 (60%) | 5.6 (60%) |
Remarkably, Xhaka is actually more enthusiastic and influential than he was in 2025/26.
He looks healthier, hungrier, and sharper. Not that the 33-year-old wasn’t an absolute phenomenon last year, but his return to the Premier League has been stunning and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.
There’s a reason Chelsea and Xavi Alonso want him at the heart of their new system at Stamford Bridge, but Sunderland have stood firm and rejected the offer this summer.
Xhaka still has more mileage in the tank. One might feel that 2028 would be the perfect time for him to leave in his thirties, but the reality is that this generational leader can provide another year or two of service to the Wearside family, who have really hit the jackpot during the year.