Sunderland will be hoping Granit Xhaka remains at the Stadium of Light next season, but with Chelsea looking elsewhere, perhaps there is some optimism on that front.
Last season, the Premier League proved to be a happy hunting ground for Regis Le Bris’ side, securing an unlikely Europa League place with a win over Chelsea in the final game of the season.
Several fraudulent rumors surfaced during the spring that suggested Le Bris’ position in the dugout may be uncertain. The man shattered expectations and now soared even higher.
However, there are some issues that need to be resolved ahead of the new Premier League season, which is just a month away. We need to be sharper and more fluid in our attacks. Fortunately, Brian Brobbey is set to return to Wearside after a strong World Cup campaign.
How Sunderland can benefit from Blobby’s World Cup campaign
Brobby has been a revelation for Sunderland since joining from Ajax for a total of £21m last summer.
The 24-year-old only scored seven goals in the Premier League last season, but was described by journalist Antonio Mango as a “freight train on the dribble” and was the driving force behind last year’s successful Sunderland team.
His performances were so impressive that the Netherlands decided to put him in the front of the team for the World Cup. In the end, it was a disappointing effort for Orange, but Blobby’s stock continued to rise.
He was not only prolific, but also clinical. His shots were struck cleanly with power and precision, and it will be a reminder to Le Bris back home that the muscular forward’s goal threat is not the defining aspect of his skillset.
His link-up play and ability to use his physicality and presence to outsmart defenders cannot be underestimated, but we now have the glimpse of a goalscorer who can ensure Sunderland make even more progress next year without suffering from the dreaded second-season syndrome.
Brian Brobbey at the 2026 World Cup | |
|---|---|
Statistics (* per 90) | # |
Match (start) | 4 (3) |
the goal | 3 |
assist | 0 |
Number of shots (on target)* | 1.0 (0.8) |
Exact path* | 4.8 (86%) |
Opportunities created* | 1.3 |
It was successful. dribble* | 0.0 |
Ball recovery rate* | 0.5 |
Def. Donation* | 1.1 |
Win a duel* | 2.0 |
Sunderland may not be the most powerful team in the Premier League, but there is a diligent approach to the game that Le Blis has utilized to propel the team forward.
However, if Blobby can get his World Cup form back at the Stadium of Light, the team could level up in that regard, especially if the decision-makers bring in the right partner this summer.
Sunderland in contract talks with Blobby’s dream partner
Sunderland have only signed Thomas Meunier so far this summer, leaving the veteran Belgian defender with baggage as his contract with French side Lille expires.
The feeling of waiting for reinforcements for the offensive line grows even more. But it might be worth the wait. TEAMtalk reports that Sunderland have added Bodø/Glimt forward Jens Petter Hauge to their shortlist and are challenging Everton for the dynamic forward.
It would cost £30m to sign the 26-year-old Norwegian, but while Everton are making a push, Sunderland have also approached his agent and are keen to complete a move.
Hauge, a left-sided forward, broke into the major stages of the Champions League last season and shone as a central figure against Manchester City, scoring in 13 games and securing a 3-1 win.
Hauge is a powerful attacker, but could rival Blobby in injecting more physicality and power into Le Bris’ front line.
Former Tottenham manager Thomas Frank hailed him as an “extraordinary” talent after his exploits in the Champions League, and his six goals in total in Europe last year confirms Le Bris’ potential as a star in the set-up.
He completed 2.4 dribbles and won 5.6 duels per game in the Champions League last season and will benefit from the strong edge Brobby provides. It feels very Sunderland-coded, but Everton’s strengths align with Hauge’s strengths, so there’s no time to waste.
Sunderland’s wingers lacked power in front of goal last season. Hauge will change that and, along with Blobby, could become a star not only at home but also outside the continent.
