Sunderland Team News - Soccer

Chemsdine Talbi - Two shots Friday Talbi recorded two shots (zero on target) in Friday's 1-0 win over Scotland.

Impact Talbi would not see the field until late against Scotland, coming on with only six minutes left in regular time. However, he would still scratch out two shots, although neither was on target. These are his first chances at net of the World Cup, with 31 minutes of play registered in two games so far.

9 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Frank Lampard to sign long-term Coventry contract after ending 25-year Premier League absence

Frank Lampard is close to signing a lucrative long-term contract extension with Coventry City following their sensational return to the top...

15 HOURS AGO • goal

Frank Lampard to sign long-term Coventry contract after ending 25-year Premier League absence

Arsenal starts Premier League title defense against promoted Coventry

Arsenal will begin its Premier League title defense at home against newly promoted Coventry, kicking off the league’s 2026-27 season on August 21

17 HOURS AGO • Associated Press

Lutsharel Geertruida - Could stay at Sunderland Geertruida remains in discussions with Sunderland over his future at the club, according to Sunderland.

Impact Geertruida earned a World Cup call-up to the Netherlands squad as a replacement for the injured Jurrien Timber, a reward for a strong season on Wearside in which his versatility at right-back and center-back made him a valuable asset. The defender's future club destination remains undecided, with Sunderland continuing talks in hopes of keeping him beyond the current campaign.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Granit Xhaka - Scores penalty in victory Xhaka scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Thursday's 4-1 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Impact Xhaka converted a VAR-awarded penalty in the seventh minute of stoppage time to make it 4-1, stepping up after Ermin Mahmic was fouled inside the box just moments after coming off the bench, capping a dominant performance that vaulted Switzerland to the top of Group B. He orchestrated play from deep for most of the match, helping the Swiss control possession, contributing two shots, one chance created, two tackles (one won) and one interception. Xhaka's penalty was his first goal of this World Cup and Switzerland will look to build on this commanding victory in their final group fixture against Canada on June 24.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Granit Xhaka - Sets tempo in opener Xhaka generated two shots (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Qatar.

Impact Xhaka captained Switzerland with authority in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Qatar at Levi's Stadium, setting the tempo from deep midfield and registering two shots and one interception as his side dominated possession and territory throughout the 90 minutes before Boualem Khoukhi's stoppage-time header denied all three points. The Sunderland midfielder orchestrated play in the second half as Switzerland pushed relentlessly for the second goal that would have put the match beyond doubt, combining defensive discipline with progressive ball-carrying in a performance that underlined why he remains Switzerland's most important player at 33. His side generated 26 total attempts and controlled the match from start to finish, making the stoppage-time equalizer all the more devastating for a captain who gave everything over 90 minutes in what should have been a winning World Cup opener.

5 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Wilson Isidor - Neutralized in defeat Isidor recorded two shots (zero on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Scotland.

Impact Isidor lacked aim from both inside and outside the box while seeing limited involvement despite his team's generation of offensive play over significant stretches of the game. The striker operated as part of a two-man front line alongside Frantzdy Pierrot but was subbed off after 76 minutes of play. The next chance for the Sunderland player to get back on track will come in a difficult meeting with Brazil's solid defense.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Chemsdine Talbi - Returns to bench Talbi (undisclosed) is on the bench for Saturday's clash with Brazil.

Impact Talbi, as expected, is back available off the bench for Saturday's clash with Brazil. The forward is a depth option at the international level and isn't likely to play a big role at the World Cup barring injuries ahead of him in the team. Still in the heat and quick turn around of the World Cup, having all of the depth options available should be a boon for Morocco.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Chemsdine Talbi - Option to face Brazil Talbi (undisclosed) is an option for Saturday's match against Brazil, according to manager Mohamed Ouahbi, per Chaimae Bouaichi of Morocco World News. "Talbi is one of the options...

Impact Talbi was back in training and has further reinforced his availability for Saturday, as his manager deemed he was ready for action. This is a solid addition of depth from the bench for the club, giving them another attacking option to use later in the match. He did record four goals and an assist in 28 appearances with Sunderland this league campaign, so he has shown he has plenty of quality.

JUNE 12 • ROTOWIRE

Chemsdine Talbi - Back in team training Talbi (undisclosed) has returned to training with the Morocco squad in recent days and should be an option for the World Cup opener against Brazil, the federation posted.

Impact Talbi had missed the friendly against Norway as the coaching staff managed his condition carefully, but his return to collective sessions is an encouraging development heading into the tournament. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi will assess his condition before making any final decisions on his role for the opening fixture against Brazil.

JUNE 12 • ROTOWIRE

Omar Alderete - Should start at center-back Alderete is expected to start at center-back for Paraguay in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Impact Alderete was a regular starter for Sunderland in the 2025-26 Premier League season, notching 32 starts and 217 clearances. He's expected to lead the backbone of the defensive line for the NT alongside Palmeiras star Gustavo Gomez.

JUNE 11 • ROTOWIRE

Habib Diarra - Emerging talent in midfield Diarra has been named in Senegal's World Cup squad and is expected to contribute from midfield under coach Pape Thiaw, arriving at the tournament after a solid Premier League seaso...

Impact Diarra contributed two goals and two assists across 20 Premier League appearances this season, delivering a consistent attacking output from midfield that underlines his potential as one of the more exciting young players in Senegal's squad. His ability to arrive late into the box, combine quickly in tight spaces and contribute directly to goals gives Senegal an additional creative and goal-scoring threat from the center of the park, and his Premier League experience prepares him well for the physical demands of a major international tournament. For Senegal, Diarra provides energy, dynamism and a direct goal threat from midfield that complements the more defensive profiles around him, and his development as one of the most promising young players in the squad makes him an exciting option for coach Pape Thiaw to deploy throughout the competition.

JUNE 10 • ROTOWIRE

Dennis Cirkin - Sunderland exit confirmed Cirkin will leave Sunderland as a free agent following the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign after five years at the club, the club announced.

Impact Cirkin made 120 appearances during his time on Wearside, contributing to the club's journey from the third tier to the top flight. The left-back was part of multiple promotion campaigns and established himself as a reliable presence on that side of the defense throughout his five-year stay. His departure brings to a close an important part of his early career at a club that experienced significant growth during his time there.

JUNE 10 • ROTOWIRE

Bertrand Traore - Parts ways with Sunderland Traore will leave Sunderland as a free agent following the conclusion of his one-year contract, the club announced.

Impact Traore joined for a single season and contributed to a successful first campaign back in the Premier League for the club. The experienced winger brought quality and depth to the attacking options available to the coaching staff, and Sunderland thanked him for his contribution during what was a historic season for the club on their return to the top flight.

JUNE 10 • ROTOWIRE

Nilson David Angulo Ramirez - Increasing role for Ecuador Angulo is aiming to earn a spot in Ecuador's offense following his participation in recent EPL and international action.

Impact Angulo's recent form makes him a player to follow heading into the tournament. The winger recovered from a physical issue shortly before the end of the club campaign and subsequently earned starts in Sunderland's final two matches, a positive sign regarding both fitness and confidence. He has also been impactful with Ecuador, scoring in two of the team's last three warm-up games. His profile is built around speed, dribbling and off-ball movement, making him a natural fit as a wide attacker. With competition for minutes still open, Angulo has a realistic chance to carve out a meaningful role if he remains productive.

JUNE 8 • ROTOWIRE

Lutsharel Geertruida - Joins Netherlands squad Geertruida has been called up to the Netherlands' World Cup squad as a replacement for the injured Jurrien Timber, according to the federation.

Impact Geertruida's call-up is a reward for a strong season with Sunderland in the Premier League, with the versatile defender capable of operating at right-back or center-back, giving coach Ronald Koeman valuable flexibility in his defensive options. His inclusion brings the Dutch squad back to 26 players at their base camp in Kansas, and while the circumstances of his call-up are unfortunate given Jurrien Timber's injury, Geertruida now has the opportunity to make an impact on the biggest stage of his career. His ability to cover multiple positions across the backline makes him a practical and reliable solution for a Netherlands side with genuine ambitions of going deep in World cup.

JUNE 8 • ROTOWIRE

Noah Sadiki - Defensive anchor in midfield Sadiki has been named in Congo's World Cup squad and is expected to start in midfield under coach Sebastien Migne, arriving at the tournament as one of the standout performers in S...

Impact Sadiki posted 46 tackles and 34 interceptions alongside one assist across 33 Premier League appearances this season, establishing himself as one of the most dependable defensive midfielders in the English top flight. His ability to win the ball, protect the backline and immediately recycle possession makes him the ideal platform from which Congo can build their attacking play, and his status as one of Sunderland's most important players gives him the confidence and form needed to perform at the highest level. For Congo, Sadiki is the engine room of the midfield and the player most responsible for maintaining the defensive structure that will allow the more creative players around him to express themselves. His Premier League experience makes him one of the more recognizable and reliable names in the squad.

JUNE 8 • ROTOWIRE

Chemsdine Talbi - Remains out against Norway Talbi (undisclosed) was not included in Morocco's squad for Sunday's 1-1 draw against Norway, remaining sidelined as the Atlas Lions prepare for their World Cup opener against Braz...

Impact Talbi had been spotted in training last week, raising hopes of a swift return, but his continued absence from the matchday squad suggests the coaching staff are not yet ready to risk him ahead of the tournament. His World Cup participation is not believed to be in doubt at this stage and the coming days will be crucial in determining his availability for Morocco's opening fixture.

JUNE 8 • ROTOWIRE

Wilson Isidor - Set for Haiti attack Isidor has been named in Haiti's World Cup squad as one of the key attacking options under coach Sebastien Migne, arriving at the tournament after a solid season with Sunderland in...

Impact Isidor contributed six goals across 32 appearances including 11 starts this season, demonstrating the finishing instinct and physical presence that make him a genuine goal threat even in limited playing time. His pace, directness and ability to create danger in one-on-one situations give Haiti a dynamic attacking weapon capable of causing problems for any defensive unit, and his Premier League experience ensures he will not be overawed by the occasion of a first World Cup. For Haiti, Isidor represents one of the more dangerous attacking outlets available to manager Sebastien Migne, and his ability to impact matches from the bench as well as the starting lineup gives the coach flexibility in how he deploys his attacking resources against Brazil, Morocco and Scotland.

JUNE 4 • ROTOWIRE

Chemsdine Talbi - Status remains unclear Talbi (undisclosed) was not included in the squad for the friendly against Madagascar but could return for the second preparatory match against Norway after being spotted in traini...

Impact Talbi has been a regular fixture in the lineup this season, starting 16 of his 28 league appearances and contributing four goals and one assist. His potential return for the Norway fixture would be a welcome development for the coaching staff, with his World Cup participation not believed to be in doubt at this stage.

JUNE 4 • ROTOWIRE

Granit Xhaka - Swiss midfield engine Xhaka has been named in Switzerland's World Cup squad as the undisputed leader and creative engine of the national team, arriving at the tournament off the back of a strong debut P...

Impact Xhaka contributed one goal and six assists alongside 34 key passes and 50 tackles across 34 Premier League appearances this season, cementing his status as one of the more complete midfielders in the English top flight in his first campaign at the club. His set-piece responsibilities at Sunderland further underline his importance as a dead-ball specialist at club level, though with Switzerland it is Ruben Vargas who handles set-piece duties for the national team, with Xhaka potentially taking on penalty responsibilities during the tournament. Xhaka is the heartbeat of the Swiss midfield, bringing the experience, leadership and technical quality that sets the tone for everything the team does on and off the ball. His ability to dictate tempo, win duels and deliver in high-pressure moments makes him one of the most reliable players in manager Murat Yakin's setup, and the Swiss will lean heavily on his influence as they look to navigate what promises to be a competitive group stage. At 33, Xhaka arrives at what could be his final World Cup with the maturity and authority of a player who has performed consistently at the highest level for over a decade, and Switzerland's chances of making a deep run in the tournament are directly tied to how well he performs when the stakes are at their highest.

JUNE 1 • ROTOWIRE

Jenson Seelt - Back to Sunderland Seelt has returned to Sunderland from his loan with Wolfsburg, according to his former club.

Impact Seelt is back in England after his loan spell with Wolfsburg, spending almost the entire season with the club. He recorded a minimal nine appearances (eight starts) in Germany, as an injury in January ended his campaign and his time with the club. He will now return to a Sunderland squad that has qualified for Europe, unlikely to have room for the defender as they upgrade their squad, likely leading to an exit from Seelt in the future.

MAY 27 • ROTOWIRE

'Nobody gave us a chance' – Hume thrilled to prove Sunderland's doubters wrong Sunderland were predicted to be relegated from the Premier League, but instead finished the campaign by qualifying for Europe.

MAY 24 • BEINSPORTS.COM

Enzo Le Fee - Diverse effort in win Le Fee recorded two shots (two on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Sunday's 2-1 win versus Chelsea.

Impact Le Fee was busy during his final game of the season, although he failed to get directly involved in the goals. The attacker worked as a versatile asset, playing all around the field and standing out as one of the team's top set-piece takers alongside Granit Xhaka. Additionally, Le Fee finished with the most complete offensive output among Sunderland players, as his six goals and six assists ranked second and first on the squad, respectively, across all competitions.

MAY 24 • ROTOWIRE

Trai Hume - Scores in season finale Hume scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and six chances created in Sunday's 2-1 victory versus Chelsea.

Impact Hume opened the scoring against Chelsea with a quality outside-of-the-foot finish in the 25th minute. He enjoyed a strong 2025/26 period, tallying 34 shots (seven on goal), 87 crosses (14 accurate), 99 clearances, 67 tackles, two goals and one assist across 38 EPL matches played. After beginning the season in a full-back role, he gradually moved into a more advanced position, a shift that helped unlock greater attacking upside.

MAY 24 • ROTOWIRE

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