As Sunderland AFC prepares for the 2025/26 season, the squad carries a blend of experienced heads, emerging academy talents, and shrewd acquisitions. This glossary profiles the key figures likely to define the Black Cats' campaign, from established leaders to rising stars. Each entry examines their role, strengths, and what they bring to a side aiming to establish itself in the top flight.
Jobe Bellingham
Jobe Bellingham arrived at Sunderland in the summer of 2023 with significant promise, and his development through the Championship has been a central storyline. Operating primarily as a box-to-box midfielder, Bellingham combines physical presence with technical composure beyond his years. His ability to drive forward with the ball, link play between midfield and attack, and contribute defensively makes him a versatile asset. In the 2025/26 season, he is expected to shoulder greater creative responsibility, particularly in transitions where his movement and vision can unlock tighter defences. His performances in high-pressure moments position him as a cornerstone of the midfield.
Dan Ballard
The Northern Ireland international defender has become a pillar of Sunderland’s backline since his permanent move from Arsenal. Ballard’s game is built on aggressive, front-foot defending: he reads danger early, commits to tackles, and organises those around him. His aerial ability is a key weapon, both in defensive set-pieces and attacking corners. In the top flight, where pace and decision-making are amplified, Ballard’s experience from the Championship grind and his international caps will be vital. He pairs well with a more mobile centre-back, offering a balance of physicality and composure under pressure.
Chris Rigg
A product of Sunderland’s renowned academy, Chris Rigg has been touted as one of the most exciting prospects to emerge from the North East in years. Capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or deeper in a midfield three, Rigg possesses exceptional close control, a sharp footballing brain, and a willingness to take risks in possession. His introduction to the first team has been gradual, but by the 2025/26 season, he is likely to see increased minutes, especially in matches where Sunderland need to break down deep-lying opponents. His creativity and eye for a pass could provide the spark that separates a mid-table survival push from a more comfortable finish.
Pierre Ekwah
The French midfielder, who joined from West Ham United’s academy, has developed into a deep-lying playmaker with a strong defensive work rate. Ekwah’s role is to dictate tempo from the base of midfield, recycling possession and launching attacks with precise long-range passes. His ability to shield the back four and break up opposition play is complemented by a calmness on the ball that allows Sunderland to build from the back. In the top flight, where midfield battles are often decisive, Ekwah’s discipline and reading of the game will be crucial in controlling transitions against faster, more direct opponents.
Jack Clarke
Jack Clarke’s resurgence at Sunderland has been one of the club’s most heartening stories. After a challenging spell at Tottenham Hotspur, he rediscovered his confidence and form on Wearside, becoming a dynamic winger who can operate on either flank. Clarke’s dribbling is his standout attribute—he takes on defenders with purpose, using quick changes of direction and close control to create space for crosses or shots. His goal contribution in the Championship was notable, and the step up to the top flight will test his consistency. If he can replicate his form against top-flight defences, he will be Sunderland’s primary attacking outlet.
Trai Hume
The Northern Irish full-back has established himself as a reliable, hard-working presence on the right side of defence. Hume’s game is defined by his tenacity in one-on-one duels and his willingness to overlap and support attacks. He is not the flashiest player, but his positional awareness and stamina make him a manager’s favourite. In the top flight, where full-backs are increasingly asked to contribute in both phases, Hume’s ability to track back and recover will be tested. His partnership with a winger like Clarke or a more defensive-minded midfielder could be key to Sunderland’s shape.
Luke O’Nien
The club captain embodies the spirit of Sunderland’s fan culture. O’Nien’s versatility—he has played as a midfielder, full-back, and centre-back—makes him an invaluable squad player, but his leadership off the pitch is equally important. His vocal presence, relentless work rate, and willingness to put his body on the line have endeared him to the Stadium of Light faithful. While he may not be a guaranteed starter in every match, his experience from the club’s rise through the divisions and his ability to lift teammates during difficult moments will be essential in a season where morale can swing quickly.
Patrick Roberts
A technically gifted winger, Patrick Roberts brings flair and creativity to Sunderland’s attacking third. His close control, ability to cut inside from the right, and eye for a threaded pass make him a threat in tight spaces. Roberts’ career has seen him play at a high level with Celtic and Fulham, and his experience in cup competitions adds a layer of composure. In the 2025/26 season, his link-up play with the striker and overlapping full-backs will be a key attacking pattern. Consistency has sometimes been an issue, but when on form, he can unlock defences with a single moment of skill.
Dennis Cirkin
The left-back, who joined from Tottenham Hotspur, has grown into a reliable defensive option with an increasing attacking threat. Cirkin’s athleticism allows him to cover ground quickly, and his crossing has improved. In the top flight, he will face some of the league’s most dangerous wingers, and his one-on-one defending will be a focus. His ability to join the attack and deliver early crosses into the box adds another dimension to Sunderland’s play, particularly in matches where they need to push for goals.
Jewison Bennette
The Costa Rican winger is a raw but exciting talent, known for his pace and direct running. Bennette’s introduction to English football has been a learning curve, but his natural ability to beat defenders and create chaos in the final third is undeniable. He is still developing his decision-making and end product, but as a substitute or in matches where Sunderland need a spark, his speed can stretch tiring defences. The 2025/26 season could be a breakout campaign if he gains more consistency.
Abdoullah Ba
The French midfielder is a dynamic, all-action player who can operate centrally or on the right. Ba’s energy and dribbling ability allow him to carry the ball forward, and he has a knack for arriving in the box to score goals. His defensive work rate is high, but he can sometimes be caught out of position when pressing. In the top flight, his role may be as an impact substitute or a rotation option, but his versatility makes him a valuable squad member.
Niall Huggins
The Welsh full-back has battled injuries but shown promise when fit. Huggins is comfortable on either flank and offers pace and attacking intent. His ability to play as a wing-back in a back three system gives the manager tactical flexibility. If he can stay healthy, he could provide competition for Cirkin and Hume, offering a different style of play with more emphasis on crossing and overlapping runs.
Aji Alese
The central defender, who can also play left-back, is a powerful, athletic presence. Alese’s strength in the air and his ability to step out of defence with the ball make him a modern centre-back. He has had spells in the team but has also faced injury setbacks. In the top flight, his physicality will be an asset against strong target men, but his positional awareness will need to be sharp against quicker forwards.
Elliot Embleton
A homegrown midfielder who has been with the club since his youth, Embleton offers creativity and a goal threat from midfield. His technique and ability to strike from distance have produced memorable moments. Injuries have limited his game time, but his understanding of the club’s culture and his technical qualities make him a useful option in the squad. He may not be a regular starter, but his cameos could be decisive.
What to Check
When assessing Sunderland’s squad for the 2025/26 season, keep an eye on the club’s official website and the Premier League’s central registration lists for confirmed player status. Injury updates are best sourced from the club’s pre-match press conferences and official medical bulletins. For transfer activity, only confirmed announcements on the club’s website or the Premier League’s official channels should be treated as definitive. Player roles and form can be tracked through match statistics on the Premier League’s official site or through trusted football analytics platforms, but remember that individual performances depend on team tactics and opposition quality.
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