Five players who have represented both Sunderland and Fulham

Sunderland host Fulham at the Stadium of Light this Sunday, and several players have turned out for both clubs over the years. From promotion-winning captains to record signings, the list includes some significant figures in the Black Cats' history.

Andy Melville was the first to make the switch. The Welsh defender joined Sunderland from Oxford United for £500,000 in 1993 and made 236 appearances. He helped the club win the First Division title in 1996 and again in 1999 before moving to Fulham, where he played over 150 games.

Kevin Ball's Wearside legacy

Kevin Ball is a true Sunderland cult hero, having made nearly 400 appearances in nine and a half years. The midfielder captained the side to two promotions, including the record 105-point title win in the 1998-99 season. He moved to Fulham in January 2000, aged 35, and made 20 appearances for them. Ball has since returned to the club in various roles, including two spells as caretaker manager, and was awarded the Freedom of the City of Sunderland in 2024.

Steed Malbranque took the opposite path, joining Sunderland after his time at Fulham. The French midfielder arrived in West London for £4.5 million and scored 44 goals in 211 games. He moved to Wearside in 2008 for £5 million and became a fan favourite, making over 100 appearances before returning to France.

Kieran Richardson joined Sunderland from Manchester United for £5.5 million in 2007. The winger scored 15 goals in 149 games, including a famous free-kick winner in the Wear-Tyne derby in 2008. He showed his versatility by playing on the wing, in midfield and at left-back. Richardson moved to Fulham on deadline day in 2012 for around £2 million, scoring six goals in two seasons before their relegation.

Darren Bent's record fee

Darren Bent arrived at Sunderland in July 2009 for a then-club record fee of £10 million. The striker was prolific, scoring 36 goals in just 63 games. He finished third in the Premier League scoring charts in the 2009-10 season, behind only Didier Drogba and Wayne Rooney. Bent is also remembered for a bizarre goal against Liverpool that deflected off a beach ball. He left for Aston Villa in a £18 million deal in January 2011 and later had a loan spell at Fulham in 2013.

Both teams will be looking for their first points of the new Premier League season after opening-day defeats. Sunderland lost 2-1 at Ipswich Town, while Fulham were beaten 3-2 by Chelsea. The match at the Stadium of Light kicks off at 2pm on Sunday.