Sunderland’s Squad Value After Bellingham and Watson’s Exit – Sunderland’s Sqad Value Compared to EPL Rivals Looks Promising Despite Star Player’s Departure

Sunderland’s Squad Value Revealed Compared to Premier League Rivals After Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson Departures

Sunderland AFC are preparing to navigate the choppy waters of the Premier League with a squad still in flux following two major departures this summer. The Black Cats are back in the top flight after a dramatic play-off triumph, but they’ll be entering a league dominated by financial juggernauts like Manchester City, Arsenal, and North East rivals Newcastle United.

Wednesday’s fixture release confirmed that Sunderland will begin life back in the Premier League with a home tie against West Ham United at the Stadium of Light—an immediate test of their top-flight credentials. Newly-appointed head coach Regis Le Bris, backed by a data-driven recruitment team, will be looking to build on a foundation already showing signs of Premier League potential.

One of the summer’s biggest early headlines from Wearside was the confirmation that Enzo Le Fée, who impressed on loan from Roma last season, has completed a £20 million permanent move. The French midfielder’s arrival marks Sunderland’s first major signing of the summer window and underlines their ambition to solidify themselves at the top level.

However, two of Sunderland’s brightest young stars have already departed. Jobe Bellingham, the England U21 midfielder and younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude, sealed a big-money switch to Borussia Dortmund. The deal, initially worth £27 million, could rise above the £30 million mark—eclipsing the club-record sale of Jordan Pickford to Everton—depending on add-ons related to appearances, performance, and future success in Germany.

Another key exit came in the form of Tommy Watson, the Wembley hero whose solitary goal against Sheffield United in the play-off final propelled Sunderland back to the Premier League. Watson has joined Brighton & Hove Albion in a £10 million deal, continuing the Seagulls’ tradition of acquiring and developing young domestic talent.

Sunderland’s business model in recent seasons has focused on unearthing hidden gems and developing young players, a strategy that has brought both success and considerable resale value. But as they prepare to battle with clubs whose resources dwarf their own, the gap is stark.

According to squad value data sourced from Transfermarkt, Sunderland’s current squad is worth €150.75 million, placing them 20th in the Premier League—bottom of the table in financial terms. By comparison, champions Manchester City lead the way with a staggering €1.32 billion squad, followed by Arsenal (€1.09bn), Chelsea (€1.06bn), and Liverpool (€867.5m).

Closer to home, Newcastle United’s squad is valued at €651.53m—over four times the value of their newly-promoted neighbours. Even clubs such as Nottingham Forest (€462.35m) and Brentford (€414.08m) far outstrip Sunderland in financial firepower.

Despite the discrepancy, Sunderland remain bullish. With further signings expected before the second phase of the transfer window closes, Le Bris and the recruitment staff will be tasked with identifying talent capable of bridging the gap—not just in value, but in performance.

And with fixtures now locked in and anticipation building, Sunderland know that it’s not just about the size of the squad’s value, but how much it delivers when the whistle blows.