Sunderland

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"Clearly we wouldn't be at this stage if Xhaka wasn't interested in leaving."

That's the view of former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini after Chelsea sent an £8m bid for the Sunderland midfielder last week.

Despite the club rejecting the offer, Gabbiadini believes the 33-year-old must want to consider his options.

Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle, Gabbiadini said: "There's obviously been conversations had and he wants to take the opportunity if it's there. I thought it could be more down to his future in terms of coaching, and wanting to create some kind of connection with Alonso who's he already got one with - could it be he steps into a coaching role at some stage with him?

"But it's disappointing for Sunderland fans.

"He might say he's just concentrating on the World Cup, but usually, and especially with someone as experienced as him, he's not going to have somebody out there representing him or talking to people and him being kept put of the loop. It's being driven by him."

Should Chelsea come back in with a more attractive offer Gabbiadini believes the team would cope without their captain.

"Last season was a season of harmony, a squad of players who fought and stuck together in difficult circumstances at times and came through it and grew as the season went on – he was a huge part of that," he added.

"So, I think that's going to be an issue, but football isn't about one player on the team, it's a team sport and we can still be a really good side without Xhaka."

Click play below to hear the full discussion or listen on BBC Sounds here

More from Gabbiadini: 'I hope Mayenda's career goes far'

Roma and Morocco midfielder Neil El Aynaoui is being monitored by a number of Premier League clubs, with Sunderland, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Brighton, Bournemouth and Newcastle United all asking about the 25-year-old's availability. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

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Senegal lost 3-2 to Belgium on Wednesday, as the African side were knocked out of the 2026 World Cup.

Sunderland's Habib Diarra opened the scoring which saw him become the first Senegal player to score in both of his first two starts at the World Cup.

Watch the full highlights above.

Sunderland and Netherlands forward Brian Brobbey, 24, is being considered by Juventus as an alternative to their first-choice target, 27-year-old Frenchman Randal Kolo Muani from Paris St-Germain. (TuttoMercatoWeb - in Italian), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Sunderland.

Here are some of your comments:

Colin: Johan Manzambi looks a cracking player. Young, athletic, technically gifted and gets forward from midfield with real purpose. Exactly the sort of profile Sunderland have been targeting. Swiss international with huge potential – I'd love to see us make a move before his price goes through the roof.

Stephen: Jordan Bos of Feyenoord and Australia. Impressed especially against Turkey and ranks as the fastest (and probably strongest) player at the World Cup.

He had a fantastic season with Feyenoord and is not only a great physical defender, but he is also excellent in transition and provided a high number of quality goal chances in the for his team last season.

Keith: Jonathan David from Juventus - we need another striker capable of double figures in the Premier League. David is strong, young and works well off the ball. That fits Sunderland's mindset.

Merv: I'd have Crysencio Summerville for Sunderland. He is a very gifted player but with bags of potential for further development and I think that Regis le Bris is the manager best equipped to help him realise his full potential.

Julius: Canadian midfielder Jacob Shaffelburg from Los Angeles FC.

Tell us the players you want, with your reasoning, here.

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We asked for your feelings about Chelsea's pursuit of Sunderland's Granit Xhaka, after the Black Cats rejected an £8m bid for their captain.

Here are some of your comments:

Stephen: Professional footballers have more spin than politicians. They get interviewed and say what the club and fans want to hear - promises of being here long term and wanting to be part of this project. We see it almost every time a high-profile footballer signs for a new club and we hear it in every post-match interview - and then, out of the blue, they go back on all their promises.

Denise: He's been an inspiration to Sunderland and we'll miss him, but if he wants to go we need to let him go. Moving forward, we need to carry on the momentum and remember that, as influential as he was, he wasn't a one-man band. We have an abundance of talent in this team, with age on their side, and we can only get better.

Alan: Chelsea are totally to blame for the feeling of betrayal. If we look at Xhaka's final-match speech, he chose his words carefully and he lacked excitement in his voice. £8m is based on his age and not the outstanding skills he brings on and off the field. Sunderland need to hold out for £20m, which recoups the fee we paid and is something toward his replacement. It's our chairman I feel for. Kyril has built a team around a shared vision, but I'm sure we will continue to move forward - starting in Europe next season.

Rory: Disbelief is my emotion. I'm waiting to hear from the man himself. No doubt he's a great and key player, but what made him really standout were his words when he came. He really believed in our project and said he and his family were happy on Wearside, principally because the area was similar to his roots. Was it all lies? Until I hear from the man himself, I'm a disbeliever.

Tom: Every player has his price but Xhaka is special, not only for his playing ability but his attitude and professionalism. He must be worth £30m a season to Sunderland so that's the minimum price I would accept - although I would prefer to stand firm and insist he honours his contract.

Chris: I think Xhaka has made up his mind that he wants to leave so let's get as much money as we can because an unhappy player brings down the dressing room. I feel let down but there's no loyalty in football any more.

Sunderland fans have been reacting to the news the Black Cats have rejected an £8m bid from Chelsea for captain Granit Xhaka.

Xhaka is known to be open to a reunion with former manager Xabi Alonso at Stamford Bridge, having won the Bundesliga together at Bayer Leverkusen in 2024.

Personal terms have not yet been agreed with Chelsea, however.

Supporter Eric told BBC Radio Newcastle: "The first emotion is one of sadness. It's very sad that such a wonderful relationship will be soured and the most important and influential player we've signed in my lifetime will be leaving.

"His legacy will be tainted. Maybe in a few years we'll look back and forgive him a little bit for what he wants to do now, but I'm sad. I'm disappointed that he's having his head turned.

"The strongest emotion is concern because I think he's bigger than just the player on the pitch. He has turned Sunderland into something I could never have believed.

"We just have to trust what Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and the leadership team are doing."

Another Black Cats fan, Arthur, focused his attention on the Blues: "They've been disrespectful to Sunderland and offered a paltry £8m.

"They cannot rate him very highly if only offering £8m. If you want good, you pay top dollar. Xhaka is top dollar."

How has Chelsea's chase for Xhaka left you feeling? Would there be any price you'd sell him for?

Get in touch with your views here

Hit play at the top of this post to hear the full discussion on BBC Radio Newcastle, or listen on BBC Sounds here

Mohamed Moallim
BBC Sport journalist

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Sunderland and Crystal Palace are the Premier League clubs with the most goals scored by their players at the World Cup after the group stage, highlighting the remarkable depth of international talent now spread throughout England's top flight.

Players from both clubs have combined to score seven goals in North America, placing them ahead of established heavyweights Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United.

Across world football, only Real Madrid and Paris St-Germain's representatives have scored more goals during the tournament so far.

Sunderland matching Palace's tally is perhaps the tournament's biggest club surprise. After returning to the Premier League following an eight-year absence, the Black Cats finished seventh in 2025-26 and have quickly established themselves on the international stage.

Brian Brobbey has led the way with three goals for the Netherlands, while Granit Xhaka (Switzerland), Habib Diarra (Senegal), Wilson Isidor (Haiti) and Nilson Angulo (Ecuador) have all found the net to give Sunderland seven goals from five players.

Brobbey scored seven Premier League goals in his debut season for Regis le Bris' side after arriving from Ajax.

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We're now into the knockout rounds of the biggest World Cup ever and we want to know who has grabbed your attention so far - especially with the summer transfer window a couple of weeks into being officially open.

Which player has raised your eyebrows? Who has exceeded your expectations? Has there been a player you had no knowledge of consistently impress you?

Ultimately, who would you realistically like to see lining up for your team in the Premier League next season?

This is your opportunity to show off your talent-spotting skills - the floor (pitch) is yours...

Tell us the players you want, with your reasoning, here

Enjoy the World Cup across BBC Sport

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From live TV coverage to highlights, analysis and reaction, our dedicated team will ensure you don't miss a kick of the biggest World Cup yet.

And there's more - the BBC has launched live match updates so you can see the score directly on your lock screen through the full 90 minutes and beyond.

This means you can keep track of every game wherever you are - whether you're on the move, at work, or away from a TV. With live match updates on your lock screen, the score is always just a glance away.

This feature will also extend into the 2026-27 Premier League season, so you're never out of the loop.

• Simple steps to set up live lock screen match updates from the World Cup

• How to get Premier League score updates

A new predictor game has been introduced to cover this year's World Cup, allowing users to pick what they think will be the result from every match.

The game also features streaks, so make sure to check in each day and make your predictions.

• Play World Cup Predictor here (UK users only)

Ever wanted to see a World Cup match from every angle? How about a full-pitch tactical view? Or even see the match through the eyes of a player?

Well, now you can with Fifa World Cup 3D Experience, which is a UK-first that is only available on BBC Sport.

The interactive game experience gives viewers more choice to explore the match both in real time, highlights and full-match replays.

• Head here to get started

Finally, here are some more handy links:

• How to follow the World Cup across the BBC

• All the highlights and best video

• Beat the time difference and catch up on everything without any spoilers

• Take a dive into each of the 48 squads here

• Play our World Cup quizzes

Granit Xhaka's personal terms with Chelsea are guaranteed and the midfielder is driving the transfer as he wants to live in London and reunite with Xabi Alonso, having worked with the Blues manager at Bayer Leverkusen. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

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Netherlands secured first place in their group and extended their unbeaten start at the World Cup with a 3-1 win over already-eliminated Tunisia.

Sunderland's Brian Brobbey scored in back-to-back games, and became just the third player to score with each of his first three shots at a World Cup since Opta's records began in 1966 - Laszlo Kiss for Hungary in 1982 and Yerry Mina for Colombia in 2018 make up the list.

Watch the full highlights above.

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Sunderland have unveiled an Elvis Presley inspired away kit for the 2026-27 season, which will be worn when the Black Cats compete in Europe for the first time in 53 years.

The pink and black colourway paired with an embossed pattern pays tribute to the 1950s - "the era that launched the musician to global stardom".

Supporters will find the words 'Can't Help Falling In Love With You' - Sunderland's matchday anthem - inside the neck tape alongside the club crest and Elvis Presley's signature.

A special launch event will take place at the Stadium of Light store on Friday, 26 June - 49 years on from Elvis Presley's final-ever performance in Indianapolis, which he closed with 'Can't Help Falling In Love With You'.

Sunderland's chief commercial officer Scott McCubbin said: "The relationship between Sunderland and Elvis is unlike anything else in football.

"For nearly five decades, 'Can't Help Falling In Love' has been the soundtrack to some of our most memorable moments - and its sentiment epitomises the connection between the club and our supporters.

"This collaboration allows us to celebrate that heritage in a creative, bold and authentic way."

The Sunderland Echo's Phil Smith says the Black Cats don't need to sell players this summer, as Regis le Bris' side prepare to fight on four fronts next season in the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

With the club's hierarchy insisting there is no onus on them to sell players during the summer transfer window, Smith told BBC Radio Newcastle: "Sunderland's performance revenue-wise is probably better than anyone would've expected it to be at this stage.

"If you had asked me in March about the club needing to sell players, it is something I definitely would've anticipated but now I only see it as a possibility.

"Nobody wants to say there won't be a big player sale this summer because there is a realisation that, speaking hypothetically, if Chelsea come in with a £70m bid for Noah Sadiki then that is a success for Sunderland.

"Money like that would give the club so much leeway for future years to go out and invest in the squad, but it is also fairly clear that they don't particularly want to or need to sell at this stage in their development.

"We can be fairly sure it won't be a case of Brian Brobbey, Noah Sadiki and Robin Roefs all suddenly going out the door, leaving Sunderland with half a team to replace.

"The messaging has been really clear, both publicly and privately, that the team which starts at Portman Road in the opening game of next season is going to look pretty familiar to the one that ended last season.

"If we look at the club's history in this area, there has never been more than one big player sale [at a time] and, if anything, their Premier League status just strengthens that position.

"So it is something I'm quite relaxed about. I really do expect that when we kick off against Ipswich Town, eight or nine of the players in the starting XI will be ones we are familiar with and have a relationship with already."

Listen to the full conversation above or listen on BBC Sounds

Sunderland striker William Isidor scored a stunning goal to give Haiti a 2-1 lead over Morocco and real hope of a first World Cup point on Wednesday, but they ultimately fell short in a 4-2 defeat by the African champions and finished bottom of Group C.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Sunderland.

Here are some of your comments:

Keith: I set out to watch Granit Xhaka a few days ago. He was magnificent as usual but Johan Manzambi caught my eye as a strong attacking midfield/forward with an eye for goal. Quick, skilful, good at holding the ball and using it well.

Martin: I'd love to see Johan Manzambi come to Sunderland. He fits our model - young exciting player - and he will get to play with his national captain. If it's a deal breaker, we can offer him European football as well. No brainer surely?

Milo: I would love Manzambi. Absolutely electric talent and the Swiss connection with Granit Xhaka means he may not be completely unattainable. A longer shot is Bouaddi. Simply brilliant and a very composed and authoritative player in the midfield at only 18. He'd be a dream signing.

Tell us the players you want, with your reasoning, here.

BBC Radio Newcastle have given a round-up of Sunderland news including transfer gossip, an under-21s report and, from the World Cup, Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk discusses Netherlands team-mate and Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey.

Click play above to hear the full rundown or listen on BBC Sounds here

Explore all Sunderland content on Sounds

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Some of you have used our Ask Me Anything service to query key European dates for next season.

Bournemouth, Sunderland and Crystal Palace will play in the Europa League next season, with the league phase draw taking place on Friday, 28 August.

The first round of games will be played on either 16 or 17 September and there will be eight matchdays that culminate on 28 January 2027.

From there, it is knockout football with the final taking place in Frankfurt on 26 May 2027.

League phase games will be played:

• 16/17 September 2026

• 15 October 2026

• 22 October 2026

• 5 November 2026

• 26 November 2026

• 10 December 2026

• 21 January 2027

• 28 January 2027

Knockout games will be played:

• Knockout phase play-offs - 18 and 25 February 2027

• Round of 16 - 11 and 18 March 2027

• Quarter-finals - 8 and 15 April 2027

• Semi-finals - 29 April and 6 May 2027

• Final - 26 May 2027

Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey scored twice in Netherlands 5-1 win against Sweden in the World Cup group stage, sparking excitement on social media about the physical forward.

Dutch football journalist Michael Statham assures fans of the Black Cats that Brobbey's performance is a positive for Regis le Bris' side after some fears that more eye-catching performances may lead to interest from Europe's elite.

"I don't know about any sort of plans for him in the transfer window this summer. I'll be surprised if he leaves after one year with Sunderland," he said.

"I think it's only a good thing. Why not? Sunderland fans should definitely be celebrating the success of Brobbey.

"I think it's only a good thing. He will only get better from this. This guy is still quite a young striker, so yes, this will only be a growth for him."

Listen to more about Brobbey's performance above or hear more Sunderland news, analysis and interviews on BBC Sounds.

Regis le Bris' impact at Sunderland has caught most observers by surprise.

That's the view of BBC Radio Newcastle's Nick Barnes as 22 June marks two years to the day since Le Bris joined the Black Cats.

He has since led the Black Cats to promotion to the Premier League and guided them to European football for the first time in over 50 years.

Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle, Barnes said: "He's done an outstanding job - when you go back over the history of the club over the last few decades - to achieve what he's achieved in what is a relatively short space of time.

"I say a relatively short space of time, for him to actually be in the job as Sunderland head coach or manager for two years, in Sunderland terms that's an era.

"That's like he's been in charge of this football club for all time because the longevity of managers at Sunderland has been so short over the decades that that in itself is fairly remarkable.

"It just shows the fact that what he's achieved underlines just how big a job he's done since he arrived and I don't think anybody really foresaw what was going to happen.

"Nobody really knew anything about him, he came completely in from the dark and now everybody knows who Le Bris is."

Listen to the full conversation on BBC Sounds or by clicking play on the clip above