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Tottenham are being tipped to move for Sunderland left-back Dennis Cirkin, with ex-Spurs scout Bryan King calling a potential return to North London a “no-brainer.”

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Tottenham Hotspur have been tipped to make a move for Sunderland defender Dennis Cirkin, with former Spurs scout Bryan King calling a potential deal a “no-brainer”.

Cirkin, 23, is entering the final year of his contract at the Stadium of Light, and his future on Wearside has become the subject of growing speculation following Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League. The left-back has yet to feature this season due to injury and faces stiff competition for his place after the arrivals of Reinildo from Atlético Madrid and Arthur Masuaku.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, King suggested that Spurs could look to bring Cirkin back to North London, where he began his career before joining Sunderland in 2021. “If he’s a free agent, then it’s a no-brainer if they’ve been watching him and scouting him for the last few months,” King said.

“Spurs can obviously make an approach for him before the end of his contract. I’m surprised that Sunderland haven’t got him tied up if I’m honest. I would say that we’re in agent territory now. He’ll obviously be trying to get the best deal for his client. It’s always difficult going back to a club, but he’s at a good age, and why not from Tottenham’s point of view?”

Tottenham had previously included a £6million buy-back clause in Cirkin’s Sunderland contract, but that expired on 30 June 2024. While Spurs no longer hold a direct option to re-sign him, they remain entitled to a percentage of any future profit through a sell-on clause.

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has made it clear that securing new contracts for Cirkin and club captain Dan Neil is a priority following the summer transfer window. But with the defender now inside the final 12 months of his deal, January could prove decisive if fresh terms are not agreed.

Cirkin has made over 100 appearances for Sunderland since joining from Spurs, playing a key role in their rise from League One to the Premier League. A return to his boyhood club remains a possibility, but the Black Cats are determined to keep one of their most talented young defenders tied down to a long-term future on Wearside.

Le Bris provides injury update after game

Le Bris has provided an update on Enzo Le Fée’s condition following the Black Cats’ goalless draw at Crystal Palace. The midfielder was a surprise absentee from the matchday squad at Selhurst Park, with Le Bris confirming before kick-off that he had picked up a “small injury” during Friday’s preparations.

His absence meant Simon Adingra was drafted into the starting XI, while Wilson Isidor also replaced Eliezer Mayenda in the only other change from the side that beat Brentford last time out. Speaking after the final whistle in South London, Le Bris admitted he was still unsure over a specific timeline for Le Fée’s return but stressed that the issue is not thought to be serious.

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“I don't know exactly what would be the time to rest. It doesn't seem too serious, but we'll see,” he said. “He's an important player for us because we can combine the winger position with a number 10’s ability, and I think to generate a bit more unpredictability in our game. It should have been really interesting to play with him, but it wasn’t an option today. It isn’t too bad.”

Dennis Cirkin’s Sunderland future is uncertain with his contract in its final year, fresh competition at left-back, and transfer interest

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Dennis Cirkin’s Sunderland future has been thrown into doubt after journalist Pete O’Rourke suggested the defender could look to leave the club when his contract expires.

“He’s in the final year of his contract at Sunderland and it remains to be seen if he will sign a new deal at the Stadium of Light,” O’Rourke told Football Insider. “It’s a difficult one for Cirkin because he’s missed the start of the season with an injury and he’s yet to play, so he’s going to find himself down the pecking order.

“They’ve brought in Reinaldo on a free from Atletico Madrid and Masuaku, the former West Ham player, so there’s a lot of competition for the left-back position.Cirkin could find his first-team chances limited this season, and in the final year of his contract he might decide to see what his options are as a free agent.

“The decision will be his to make, will he want to stay at Sunderland if he’s not playing, or will he want to move on and see if he can play regular first-team football?”

The comments come amid growing uncertainty around the long-term future of the 23-year-old, who has been linked with a potential return to Tottenham Hotspur in recent months. Spurs held a £6million buy-back clause in Cirkin’s contract following his move to Sunderland in 2021, but that clause expired Even so, the Premier League club remain entitled to a percentage of any profit should the defender be sold, due to a sell-on clause in the original deal.

Cirkin is entering the final year of his current contract at the Stadium of Light, and Sunderland face a significant decision in the coming months if fresh terms are not agreed. The defender could be available at a reduced price in the winter window, while he would also be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with clubs abroad from January onwards.

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has insisted that the club remain calm about the situation, with talks over fresh deals for both Cirkin and Dan Neil expected to continue throughout the autumn. “No, I wouldn't say it's a concern,” Speakman said recently when asked about the contract situation.

“We've had similar situations in the past. It's never really been a concern for us because we're on top of the conversation. So there's no ambiguity on where it's at. It's just so difficult over the transfer window to do everything, and we've got some outstanding topics to discuss and to resolve, and they're two of them. So we'll do as we've always done. We'll continue to have those conversations and get to a consensus and a decision on it."

Cirkin has missed the opening weeks of Sunderland’s Premier League campaign after undergoing wrist surgery in the summer. His absence has coincided with a busy period of transfer activity, with Sunderland adding experienced left-sided defenders Reinildo Mandava and Arthur Masuaku. Both players bring pedigree and competition to the squad, meaning Cirkin will have to fight for his place once fit.

Despite the challenges, Cirkin has been a key figure since arriving on Wearside from Spurs three years ago. Known for his composure in possession and defensive intelligence, he was an important part of the squad that earned promotion to the Premier League under Régis Le Bris. The Black Cats value him highly, but with his deal ticking down, they must weigh up whether to cash in during the January window or risk losing him for nothing next summer.

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The next few months could therefore prove decisive. For Cirkin, the question is whether he sees a long-term future at the Stadium of Light, given the new competition and uncertainty over his role. For Sunderland, the challenge is to secure clarity, either by convincing him to commit to a fresh deal or by preparing for life without him.

Tottenham and Rangers are eyeing two former Sunderland-linked stars ahead of the January window

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Two former Sunderland transfer targets could be on the move again in January, with both Jesurun Rak-Sakyi and Jan Paul van Hecke attracting serious interest from Premier League and European clubs.

Sunderland were previously linked with Rak-Sakyi in January 2024 and Van Hecke during the summer of 2022 and again in January 2023, but both players are now being lined up for potential high-profile moves when the transfer window reopens.

Rangers eye fresh move for Jesurun Rak-Sakyi

Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi was expected to leave Selhurst Park this summer, but late bids from Rangers and Southampton were turned down before deadline day. Senior Football Insider correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed on the Inside Track podcast that Palace are now prepared to entertain offers for the 22-year-old in January.

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“There was a lot of interest in Rak-Sakyi on deadline day,” O’Rourke said. “If he’s not figuring in Oliver Glasner’s plans between now and January, I’m sure Rangers will maybe be looking at that situation with Rak-Sakyi. It doesn’t look at the moment like he is going to be part of those plans, they were willing to let him go in the summer but couldn’t reach an agreement. Rangers are likely to be in the market for more attacking reinforcements.

“Russell Martin is a huge fan and tried to sign him during his time at Southampton, so that interest isn’t going to go away. If he’s not playing between now and January, Rangers will be having a look at him again in the middle of the season.”

Tottenham lead race for Jan Paul van Hecke

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur have been given fresh hope of landing Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke, another player Sunderland previously explored signing. According to GIVEMESPORT, the 24-year-old has delayed signing a new contract at the Amex Stadium as he weighs up potential interest from Spurs, Liverpool and Newcastle United.

Tottenham are eager to strengthen their defensive options and view Van Hecke as an ideal fit to provide competition for Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. Brighton are keen to make the Netherlands international their highest-paid player, but face a fight to keep him beyond January.

Spurs reportedly considered a move in the summer but opted against meeting Brighton’s £44million valuation. However, with Van Hecke’s current contract entering its final two years, there is a growing belief that a lower deal could be struck if talks fail to progress. Liverpool and Newcastle are also keeping tabs on the defender and could rival Tottenham for his signature, setting up a potential bidding battle in January.

Sunderland striker Trey Ogunsuyi drops transfer hint after Spurs hat-trick, eyeing more men's football this season...

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Sunderland forward Trey Ogunsuyi has hinted that a loan move could be on the cards after scoring a stunning hat-trick during the club’s 5-3 Premier League 2 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night.

The 18-year-old striker, who recently signed a new long-term contract at the Stadium of Light until 2028, delivered another electrifying display at Eppleton but admitted that his next step needs to involve playing regular men’s football.

“Yeah, I’m very happy. That’s my goal as a striker, to score every game. I’m happy to do that,” Ogunsuyi said after the game. “We go into the game trying to win, get three points. We showed spirit to come back into the game, but it wasn’t our night, and we go again next week.”

Pressed on his ambitions for the season ahead, Ogunsuyi was clear about where he sees his development heading: “Yeah, this season is going to be a big season for me, obviously,” he said. “My goal is to play more men’s football, so I’m going to try and do that. Next for me is to play men’s football, like I said, and to try and break into the first team.”

Ogunsuyi may well be handed a chance at some point during the Carabao Cup clash against Huddersfield Town at the Stadium of Light in a couple of weeks. However, if Ogunsuyi is to be granted his wish of playing senior men’s football, he may have to head out on loan in January, or even before the summer window shuts.

After the game, Sunderland U21s lead coach Graeme Murty delivered his verdict on Ogunsuyi’s short-term future, suggesting that a loan move could be on the table as the club maps out the striker’s next step. Ogunsuyi has already made his senior debut under Régis Le Bris, coming off the bench in the FA Cup against Stoke City last season, and also featured during pre-season with the first team.

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Murty admitted that Sunderland have plenty of interest in the powerful forward but stressed that the club will take a measured approach when deciding what comes next for his development. “What we tend to do, we’ll sit together as a staff, we’ll sit with the first team, and we’ll look at each player’s individual journey,” Murty explained.

“And we make sure that we support that in what way we think is best to increase their learning at that particular time, particularly in the areas that we perceive that he needs. If we perceive that staying here and playing against that level of opponent every week is the thing that he needs, then he might do that alongside the training with the first team.

“If we think he’d be better served by playing against men and being challenged in a different department, then we’ll go and facilitate that because we have no shortage of suitors for the players, we have no shortage of support that we can give to the players and we just have to determine what the journey is going to look like for him. But like I said, he’s our player for now, for two years in the future, five years in the future, we’ve still got to work towards what he might become rather than what he’s looking like right now.”

Graeme Murty hails Ian Poveda’s display for Sunderland U21s as exit speculation continues this summer

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Graeme Murty has heaped praise on Ian Poveda after the Sunderland winger delivered two assists in the U21s’ 5-3 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night at Eppleton in the Premier League 2.

Senior head coach Régis Le Bris has informed the 25-year-old that he is free to leave this summer, but his performance at Eppleton was strong despite having not featured with Sunderland’s first team at all during pre-season or the Black Cats’ opening Premier League game against West Ham.

Murty said: “You can see the talent, you can see he’s got some magic in his feet, and he’s a nightmare in training because he’s so elusive and he’s so jinky, but he works extremely hard. As we’ve always said, we’re a willing vehicle for players who need to remain sharp, who show the right attitude and who want to come and help the young players and I thought that he was a help to our young players.”

The U21s lead coach highlighted the benefit Poveda brings to Sunderland’s emerging talent, with a number of teenagers involved against Spurs. “Let’s face it, we’ve got Finn Holcroft, we’ve got Archie Lightfoot, we’ve got Felix Scott, we’ve got Charlie Dinsdale, all under-18s coming onto that environment and trying to play and he’s been nothing but supportive so we thank him for that and we show our players, he’s the level, we need to challenge you to be better than what you’re seeing.”

Murty added that having first-team players drop down to the U21s reinforces the standards required at Premier League level. “It’s really good for us that we get so much support from our first team players that our players can understand they’re not completing their journey yet, they’ve still got steps to make, they’ve still got improvements to make. We keep on emphasising it but it’s really good that we’ve got a really tangible link to the first team that can reinforce that message.”

Murty delivers verdict on Sunderland’s loss to Tottenham Hotspur

On the game, Murty added on the 5-3 loss: “The first 30 minutes were unacceptable for the standards that we've set so far. We were far too passive, far too reactive. We didn't organise the shape of the press. We weren't clean enough on the ball.

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“Having said that, we still could have been level when we were smooth and clean with the ball, but it was far too easy to score against. That, I think, is a really good example for our young players that if we are reactive to a team who are really dynamic like that, you're going to find yourself on the back foot and chasing shadows. And I thought for the first 30 minutes it would look that way, but they showed really good resilience once again.

“They took on the information at half-time well. And I thought in the second half, I thought there was only one team in it. But then we work ever so hard to get back within touching distance and give a soft call away because players can't be bothered to do the simple things or the hard things, and deny space to our opponents. And unfortunately, we are then left ruing the multiple missed chances that we had.”

Graeme Murty has dropped a transfer hint on Trey Ogunsuyi after his hat-trick against Tottenham’s youth side

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Sunderland U21s lead coach Graeme Murty has delivered his verdict on Trey Ogunsuyi’s short-term future, hinting that the striker could head out on loan at some point.

The 18-year-old, who signed a new contract earlier this summer until 2028, scored a superb hat-trick in Monday night’s 5-3 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in Premier League 2. Ogunsuyi has already made his senior debut under Régis Le Bris, coming off the bench in the FA Cup against Stoke City last season, and also featured in pre-season with the first team.

Murty admitted that Sunderland have plenty of interest in the powerful forward, but stressed the club will carefully decide the right next step in his development. “What we tend to do we’ll sit together as a staff, we’ll sit with the first team, and we’ll look at each player’s individual journey.”

Murty added on the promising striker after his three goals vs Spurs: “And we make sure that we support that in what way we think is best to increase their learning at that particular time, particularly in the areas that we perceive that he needs. If we perceive that staying here and playing against that level of opponent every week is the thing that he needs, then he might do that alongside the training with the first team.

“If we think he’d be better served by playing against men and being challenged in a different department, then we’ll go and facilitate that because we have no shortage of suitors for the players, we have no shortage of support that we can give to the players and we just have to determine what the journey is going to look like for him. But like I said, he’s our player for now, for two years in the future, five years in the future, we’ve still got to work towards what he might become rather than what he’s looking like right now.”

The best is still to come from Trey Ogunsuyi

Murty was full of praise for Ogunsuyi’s attributes, suggesting the best is yet to come from the teenager. “He’s really dynamic, he’s extremely powerful. Once we increase his understanding of his attributes, once we increase his understanding of how to deploy his talents, he’s going to be really, really effective. I don’t think you’ve seen the best of him, I don’t think you’ve even glimpsed his ceiling yet.”

The U21s lead coach said the striker is thriving in the environment Sunderland have created, but challenged him to remain open-minded and focused on his development. “So what we’re seeing from him, or what we need to see from him, is a really open mindset, a real determination to continue to improve.

“And we believe we’ve created a really good environment that enables his learning, that supports his learning, but also provides a really, really good challenge. I thought the challenge tonight was something that stimulated him; you could see that he liked it, he enjoyed playing against good opponents.”

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Despite Ogunsuyi’s hat-trick, Murty admitted Sunderland should have been more clinical as a team in their defeat to Spurs. “I thought he came out on top, and I think he can be really, really upset that maybe he didn’t get a couple more. But I also think that the players alongside him need to show a bit more of a clinical, ruthless edge when we get into really good opposition areas, as we did multiple times throughout the game. We just were a bit softer in our finishing and training.”

Ogunsuyi’s display and Murty’s comments underline why the young striker has become one of the most talked-about talents in Sunderland’s academy – and why his next step, whether on Wearside or elsewhere on loan, will be watched closely.

Sunderland U21s opened their Premier League 2 campaign with a 6-3 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night – despite a superb hat-trick from striker Trey Ogunsuyi.

The 18-year-old celebrated signing a new contract at the club by producing a sensational individual display at Eppleton, but Graeme Murty’s side were undone by a ruthless Spurs attack that raced into an early lead and never truly looked back.

Jay Matete, who started in last week’s 3-2 comeback win over Scunthorpe in the National League Trophy, was not involved. The 24-year-old’s absence will inevitably raise further questions over his future, with senior head coach Régis Le Bris having already confirmed that the midfielder can leave this summer.

His omission may indicate that a deal is edging closer. By contrast, Ian Poveda started and impressed, suggesting his own exit is not imminent. Interestingly, the game was watched by Shrewsbury Town manager Michael Appleton, sparking speculation about potential loan interest in Sunderland’s youngsters.

Murty’s line-up showed several changes from the team that featured in Lincolnshire, with Jenson Jones starting in defence and Timur Tutierov joining Poveda, Jack Whittaker and Ogunsuyi in attack. Ben Middlemas captained the side. Tottenham started brightly and went ahead after just nine minutes when Tylan Thompson’s cross was converted by Oliver Irow.

Seconds later, Sunderland goalkeeper Isaac Allan conceded a penalty, and Irow made no mistake from the spot to double the lead. The visitors extended their advantage midway through the half when Dante Cassanova struck to make it 3-0.

Sunderland gradually grew into the game and finally threatened in the 38th minute as Whittaker and Middlemas tested Spurs goalkeeper Luca Gunter. Moments later, they pulled one back, Poveda slipping a clever ball through for Ogunsuyi to finish confidently. After the break, Ollie Bainbridge was forced off injured and replaced by Archie Lightfoot before Spurs struck again, Luca Williams-Barnett restoring their three-goal cushion.

Ogunsuyi, however, was not finished. He pressed high to nick the ball from a Spurs defender before rifling home his second, making it 4-2. Murty made further changes as Timur Tutierov and Marshall Burke were replaced by Felix Scott and Jaydon Jones. Sunderland’s persistence was rewarded when Poveda again picked out Ogunsuyi, who completed his hat-trick with a composed finish to make it 4-3.

It capped a brilliant personal month for the striker, who recently committed his future to the club, and briefly gave Sunderland hope of an unlikely comeback. But Spurs had the final say. Substitute Rio Kyerematen struck late to make it 5-3, ensuring Sunderland’s spirited fightback ended in defeat as Jaydon Jones was sent off for Sunderland for a late tap on Tottenham’s goalkeeper.

Here, James Copley rates every Sunderland player during their Premier League 2 clash against Tottenham Hotspur U21s at Eppleton CW:

Shrewsbury Town manager Michael Appleton was spotted at Eppleton watching Sunderland U21s vs Tottenham

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There was an intriguing figure in the stands as Sunderland U21s got their Premier League 2 campaign underway against Tottenham Hotspur – Shrewsbury Town manager Michael Appleton.

The 49-year-old, who took charge of the League Two side last March, was in attendance at Eppleton Colliery Welfare, sparking speculation over a potential scouting mission.

Appleton has built a reputation for developing young players during his spells at Oxford United, Lincoln City and Blackpool, and his presence at Sunderland’s academy base will inevitably fuel talk of possible loan interest in some of the Black Cats and Spurs prospects.

Sunderland’s U21s squad has been heavily involved in the loan market in recent seasons, with the club keen to find the right opportunities for emerging talent. With the likes of Dan Neil and Anthony Patterson previously gaining senior minutes in the EFL, Appleton’s appearance will no doubt raise eyebrows about whether he has his eye on a similar deal.

The game itself marked the young Black Cats’ return to PL2 action after their dramatic comeback win over Scunthorpe in the National League Trophy last week. Murty’s side named a strong XI, including Jenson Jones, Oli Bainbridge, Marshall Burke, Ian Poveda and Trey Ogunsuyi, as they looked to make a positive start to the regular season.

Whether Appleton’s visit was purely to watch Sunderland or Tottenham to open the door to future moves remains to be seen – but his arrival at Eppleton certainly added an extra layer of intrigue to Sunderland’s first league outing.

What did Régis Le Bris say after Sunderland vs West Ham?

Head coach Régis Le Bris hailed Sunderland’s players after their 3-0 victory over West Ham United but warned that humility and togetherness must remain central to their Premier League campaign.

The Black Cats returned to the top flight in style on Saturday, with second-half goals from Eliezer Mayenda, Dan Ballard and Wilson Isidor sealing their first Premier League win in over eight years.

Le Bris was delighted with the way his players responded to half-time instructions after a challenging first half and praised their ability to execute the gameplan. He also revealed that captain Granit Xhaka addressed the squad post-match to stress the importance of staying united.

“I'm happy for the fans and the players and the club,” Le Bris said. “We had different phases of pre-season and we spoke about the layers we needed to add. It was obvious that it starts from the foundations – we showed that the team is working well.

He added: “They were hard to beat in a mid to low block. The first half was a bit more difficult but during the second half we felt we could get opportunities through regains in the middle and that we could score through counter attacks.

“We didn't change many important things at half time. We spoke a bit about their goalkeeper restarts and our high press, we went for man for man and they found two or three opportunities with long balls. So it was really important to be strong in duels. We made just two or three little decisions, and it made a difference.”

Le Bris was also keen to highlight that Sunderland’s three goals came from players who were already at the club last season, despite a summer of heavy recruitment. “It's really important for two reasons, they showed they can step up [first and foremost],” he said.

“We'll see later, but today it was the case. And it's really important because they keep the identity of the club and the way we worked last season. We built this strength about togetherness, the way we work as a team. The players worked well as a team and they showed that again today.”

The Frenchman added that while the opening-day victory was a proud moment for everyone connected to the club, Sunderland would remain focused on the long campaign ahead.

Sunderland U21s get their Premier League 2 campaign underway against Tottenham on Monday evening

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Graeme Murty has named his Sunderland U21s side for the opening fixture of the Premier League 2 campaign against Tottenham Hotspur – and there’s a notable omission.

Jay Matete, who started in side during last week’s 3-2 comeback win over Scunthorpe in the National League Trophy, is not involved at all. The 24-year-old’s absence will inevitably raise questions over his future, with speculation over a potential move continuing to swirl late in the transfer window. Senior head coach Régis Le Bris has confirmed that Matete can leave the club this summer, and his non-inclusion may indicate a deal is close.

Sunderland’s line-up shows several changes from the team that featured in Lincolnshire, with Jenson Jones starting in defence, while Tutierov comes into the forward line alongside Poveda, Whittaker and Ogunsuyi. Middlemas captains the side.

The Black Cats will hope to take momentum into the PL2 opener after their dramatic win at Scunthorpe, where they fought back from 2-0 down to secure victory in stoppage time. That match saw Matete play a key role – but his absence against Spurs may indicate movement behind the scenes.

Matete has been linked with a number of clubs this summer, and while Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris is understood to value his versatility, the strength of midfield competition at senior level – with Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Habib Diarra, Enzo Le Fée, Dan Neil, Alan Browne and Chris Rigg all ahead in the pecking order – could leave opportunities limited.

For now, Murty’s youngsters will look to make a strong start in Premier League 2, with several academy graduates handed the chance to impress. But the talking point will inevitably be Matete, whose absence suggests his Sunderland future may soon be decided. The inclusion of Poveda also suggests that his exit from the club is not imminent.

Sunderland XI: Allan, Jenson Jones, Holcroft, Kindon, Bainbridge, Burke, Middlemas, Whittaker, Poveda, Tutierov, Ogunsuyi

Subs: Cameron, Lightfoot, Jaydon Jones, Scott, Dinsdale

What did Régis Le Bris say after Sunderland vs West Ham?

Head coach Régis Le Bris hailed Sunderland’s players after their 3-0 victory over West Ham United but warned that humility and togetherness must remain central to their Premier League campaign.

The Black Cats returned to the top flight in style on Saturday, with second-half goals from Eliezer Mayenda, Dan Ballard and Wilson Isidor sealing their first Premier League win in over eight years.

Le Bris was delighted with the way his players responded to half-time instructions after a challenging first half and praised their ability to execute the gameplan. He also revealed that captain Granit Xhaka addressed the squad post-match to stress the importance of staying united.

“I'm happy for the fans and the players and the club,” Le Bris said. “We had different phases of pre-season and we spoke about the layers we needed to add. It was obvious that it starts from the foundations – we showed that the team is working well.

He added: “They were hard to beat in a mid to low block. The first half was a bit more difficult but during the second half we felt we could get opportunities through regains in the middle and that we could score through counter attacks.

“We didn't change many important things at half time. We spoke a bit about their goalkeeper restarts and our high press, we went for man for man and they found two or three opportunities with long balls. So it was really important to be strong in duels. We made just two or three little decisions, and it made a difference.”

Le Bris was also keen to highlight that Sunderland’s three goals came from players who were already at the club last season, despite a summer of heavy recruitment. “It's really important for two reasons, they showed they can step up [first and foremost],” he said.

“We'll see later, but today it was the case. And it's really important because they keep the identity of the club and the way we worked last season. We built this strength about togetherness, the way we work as a team. The players worked well as a team and they showed that again today.”

The Frenchman added that while the opening-day victory was a proud moment for everyone connected to the club, Sunderland would remain focused on the long campaign ahead.

Sunderland announced a contract extension for Regis Le Bris on Monday evening

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Former Sunderland icon Marco Gabbiadini has hailed the club’s decision to hand head coach Regis Le Bris a contract extension, claiming that it could fend off potential interest from clubs of Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham’s ilk in the future.

The Frenchman enjoyed a hugely successful debut campaign in England, guiding the Black Cats back to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs after an eight-year absence from the top flight.

Indeed, his performances on Wearside were enough to attract the attention of an unnamed Premier League club earlier this summer, according to French publication L’Equipe, but instead, Le Bris took the decision to reiterate his commitment to Sunderland’s project by penning a fresh deal that will keep him at the Stadium of Light until 2028.

And to that end, Gabbiadini has delivered his verdict on Le Bris’ extension, lauding it as a great move for both the Black Cats boss and the club writ large.

What did Marco Gabbiadini say about Regis Le Bris’ contract extension at Sunderland?

Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle, the pundit said: "All positive. It has been a positive summer of transactions so it follows the trend. It protects the club. You see the likes of a Spurs or a West Ham and those sorts of clubs, if they have a slow start they are always in the hunt for any up and coming talent and he would fit that bill. So it protects the club that we have got him under contract and also rewards him I'm sure for his success with the club last season.

"There is still no doubt in my mind it is going to be a very difficult season and it will be interesting to see how that progresses. We see so often newly promoted teams changing their manager after a slow start to the campaign but hopefully Sunderland are a little bit more patient and little more considered in the way that we do that. Hopefully we look forward to a real calm time with the manager because we have been through a lot over the past seven or eight years."

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What Kristjaan Speakman and Florent Ghisolfi said about Régis Le Bris's contract extension at Sunderland

Elsewhere, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman and director of football Florent Ghisolfi both spoke of their delight at the news of Le Bris’ extension, saying it gave the club clarity and focus ahead of the new campaign.

Speakman said: "Like every Sunderland supporter, I’m delighted we are announcing this contract extension for Regis. It provides clarity going into the Premier League season, but more importantly it recognises his contribution and continued commitment to the club. Regis has an unrelenting desire for progression that matches our own and we look forward to continuing our partnership throughout the upcoming season, as we move forward with aligned objectives that reflect our shared ambition.”

Ghisolfi added: "Regis’ new contract is a mark of recognition for the outstanding work he’s undertaken since arriving at Sunderland, and more importantly, it reflects our trust in the future we’re building together. Our objective is to establish Sunderland as a Premier League club –not just in name, but in identity, performance, and ambition – and Regis is an important part of that vision. He shares our desire, and we are ready to face the challenges and opportunities ahead with conviction and purpose.”