As Premier League clubs continue their preparations for the start of the 2025/26 season, The Scout runs the rule over the promoted clubs and highlights the players who could have the biggest impact in Fantasy Premier League.
Sunderland
Sunderland are back in the Premier League after an eight-year absence from the top flight.
The Black Cats finished fourth in the Championship, but clinched promotion with a 2-1 playoff final victory over Sheffield United.
The mastermind behind this success was head coach Regis Le Bris, who introduced a direct, counter-attacking style to the Stadium of Light during the second half of the season.
While making the jump from the Championship to the elite is rarely easy, this approach should serve Sunderland well in the Premier League.
They’ve been handed a favourable opening schedule, too, with a Fixture Difficulty Ratings (FDR) average of just 2.5 over the first four Gameweeks.
That includes encounters with West Ham United and Burnley in their first two fixtures, suggesting Sunderland’s budget assets could offer early value in FPL.
Sunderland's first four fixtures
| GW | Opponent | FDR |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Ham (H) | 2 |
| 2 | Burnley (A) | 2 |
| 3 | Brentford (H) | 3 |
| 4 | Crystal Palace (A) | 3 |
*1 = easiest possible fixture, 5 = hardest possible fixture
The exit of Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund this summer naturally makes their task harder, but Sunderland have made an encouraging start to the transfer window, with Enzo Le Fee, Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki and Reinildo already through the door.
Consequently, there is increasing optimism that the Black Cats can be competitive in the Premier League.
Key players
Trai Hume
Given Sunderland’s preference to attack down the flanks, right-back Hume could be a player to keep an eye on.
The 23-year-old was instrumental for Le Bris last season, often advancing into the final third.
Hume contributed three goals and six assists over 44 Championship matches during the regular season.
A total of 63 key passes was the most of any promoted defender, too, highlighting his assist potential.
Considering the fixtures, Hume could be a viable budget option for our opening squads.
Eliezer Mayenda
Mayenda showed significant improvement as the 2024/25 season progressed, ending the campaign with 10 goals and five assists.
His performance peaked in the playoffs, during which Mayenda played as a centre-forward and scored two goals, including the vital equaliser against Sheffield United in the final at Wembley Stadium.
The Spain Under-21 international, who can play as a striker, No 10 or on either flank, racked up seven shots during the three playoff matches, the most of any Sunderland player.
Most shots by Sunderland players in 24/25 playoffs
| Player | Shots |
|---|---|
| Mayenda | 7 |
| Hume, Mundle | 4 |
| Ballard, Rigg, Isidor | 3 |
If Mayenda can carry that form into the new campaign, he could prove a bargain.
Enzo Le Fee
Upon his loan arrival from Italian side AS Roma in January, Le Fee added a new dimension to Sunderland’s attack.
He’s since signed a permanent deal on Wearside, having provided assists in both playoff semi-finals against Coventry City.
A gifted passer with an abundance of technical ability, Le Fee played on the left-wing for a considerable part of the 2024/25 campaign, largely because of injuries; however, he is expected to return to his favoured central midfield position in the Premier League.
With set-pieces in his locker, Le Fee could be a useful budget enabler.