Under manager Regis Le Bris, the Black Cats are entering a new era, blending ambitious recruitment with a forward-thinking approach as they prepare for the step up in intensity and quality.

Sunderland fixtures 2025:

August 16: Sunderland v West Ham

August 23: Burnley v Sunderland

August 30: Sunderland v Brentford

September 13: Crystal Palace v Sunderland

September 21: Sunderland v Aston Villa

The season begins at the Stadium of Light with a home fixture against West Ham - a team with European experience and the quality to test Sunderland from the outset. It's a tough opener, but one that will give an early glimpse of how Le Bris' side copes with the step up in intensity.

Next is a trip to fellow promoted side Burnley, a key early test against a team they know well from last season's closely fought Championship meetings. With both sides targeting survival, this fixture could carry extra weight even at such an early stage.

The Black Cats then welcome Brentford to Wearside. The Bees have grown into a solid Premier League outfit in recent seasons, making this a good measure of where they stand in terms of tempo and tactical sharpness.

After the September international break, they head to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace - a notoriously difficult place to visit - before returning home to face Aston Villa, a side aiming to build on their push into the European spots. That match will likely be one of their most high-profile early-season home games and a real test of their defensive structure.

Spending heavily is no guarantee of survival but Sunderland appear to have invested shrewdly, spending around £132 million on 11 signings so far. The midfield has been significantly strengthened, with the arrival of Enzo Le Fee on a permanent deal from Roma, experienced Swiss international Granit Xhaka, and £30m signing Habib Diarra from Strasbourg. Reinildo, who featured in the Champions League for Atletico Madrid last season, brings quality at left-back, while Omar Alderete finalised a £10.4m move from Getafe to reinforce central defence. Up front, Chelsea loanee Marc Guiu adds youthful potential.

Even so, the loss of Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund will be felt, and Le Bris faces the challenge of integrating so many new faces quickly. A mixed pre-season hints at teething issues, but the talent in the squad is undeniable.

Le Bris remains measured about the challenge ahead.

"We know the Premier League brings a different kind of pressure, and we respect that. But we've built a squad we believe in. It will take time to gel, yes - but we are here to compete," said the manager.

Sunderland standings - Historic log positions

2020/21 - 4th (League One)

2021/22 - 5th (League One)

2022/23 - 6th (Championship)

2023/24 - 16th (Championship)

2024/25 - 4th (Championship)

Sunderland fixtures: Black Cats handed balanced but testing start to Premier League return