Sunderland have confirmed their 22-player squad for the 2026-27 UEFA Europa League league phase, with manager Regis Le Bris making a significant selection call by omitting winger Chemsdine Talbi. The list incorporates the club's six summer signings, including deadline day arrival Malick Fofana from Lyon.
Le Bris's squad currently sits 11th in the Premier League with three points from their opening two matches, having scored and conceded two goals. Their next challenge is an away trip to face Brentford, who are fifth, on September 5th. The Black Cats will then begin their European campaign at home to AZ Alkmaar on September 16th.
The squad adheres to UEFA regulations by naming two goalkeepers, Robin Roefs and Simon Moore. Nine defenders were selected, featuring new arrivals Kevin Danso, Dayann Méthalie, and Thomas Meunier. Danso joined from Tottenham Hotspur, bringing what the manager described as authority, physicality, and leadership to the centre-back position.
Granit Xhaka will captain the side from a midfield group of six, which includes Jules Ahoka, a recent signing from Royal Antwerp. Up front, five forwards were named, headlined by the £30 million acquisition Malick Fofana. The 18-year-old Ecuadorian striker Juan Riquelme Angulo, signed from Independiente del Valle, also makes the list.
The most notable exclusion is 21-year-old Moroccan winger Chemsdine Talbi. He joined from Club Brugge for £18 million last summer but managed only four goals and two assists in 28 league appearances last season. His involvement this term has been minimal, with just 30 minutes of Premier League action off the bench in the opening 2-1 defeat at Ipswich.
Talbi's omission comes amid reported talks with Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad. The Saudi transfer window remains open, facilitating a potential late move for the player. Backup goalkeeper Melker Ellborg from Malmö FF was also left off the Europa League list.
Manager Regis Le Bris outlined a clear plan for the window, which saw six first-team additions. "We had this mantra at the beginning of the market – keep the core, add what we need. We kept this idea all the way," Le Bris said. The final day was particularly busy, with the club securing Fofana, Danso, and Angulo.
The club faced competition for Fofana, with Crystal Palace attempting to hijack the transfer before Sunderland convinced him to join. Le Bris explained the strategy targeted three profiles: top-level experience with Danso and Meunier, young players with proven experience like Fofana and Méthalie, and high-potential prospects such as Angulo and Ahoka. "It was tough obviously because the market is not easy to manage," he added.
With the squad now set for European competition, attention turns to balancing domestic and continental commitments. The absence of Talbi and the integration of new signings like Fofana, a winger noted for his one-on-one skills and defensive commitment, will be key. Ahoka is expected to provide cover as a third striker across multiple competitions.
The team must also manage fitness, with Habib Diarra currently sidelined. Their league form shows a win and a loss, leaving them three points behind early leaders Manchester City. The packed schedule continues with the visit to Brentford, a fixture detailed on our fixtures page, before the historic Europa League opener against AZ Alkmaar at the Stadium of Light.
