Will your club sign any World Cup breakout stars?published at 12:00 BST 10 July
12:00 BST 10 July
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Plenty of players have made names for themselves at this World Cup, from goalkeepers like Cape Verde's Vozinha and Paraguay's Orlando Gill to New Zealand midfielder Elijah Just.
But though they might not have been familiar to fans, the extent of modern scouting means clubs all over the world will already have known about many of them – so how have their heroics at the tournament affected their standing in the game, and their value in the transfer market?
More than the Score's Mani Djazmi is joined Ben Littlemore from Transfermarkt, one of the world's foremost football databases. Lutz Pfannenstiel, sporting director at Aberdeen, also shares his footballing knowledge in today's episode.
Fonte joins Sunderland coaching staffpublished at 11:12 BST 9 July
11:12 BST 9 July
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Former Portugal defender Jose Fonte is joining Sunderland as part of Regis le Bris' technical coaching team.
The 42-year-old retired from playing at the end of last season. His career spanned 24 years, during which he made almost 900 senior appearances for club and country.
Fonte is best known in England for his eight seasons at Southampton between 2010 and 2017, during which time he made 288 appearances.
Sunderland director of football Florent Ghisolfi said: "Jose joins our coaching team with a wealth of experience as a player at the top level. He will bring that experience, along with tremendous energy, to a technical staff that is already performing outstandingly under the guidance of Regis.
"We believe those qualities, combined with his strong leadership skills, will add great value to our club as we look to push forward both in the Premier League and on the European stage."
Xhaka looks forward to Sunderland staypublished at 17:36 BST 8 July
17:36 BST 8 July
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Granit Xhaka says he is "ready to make history with Sunderland" after a summer in which his future has been uncertain.
The Switzerland captain was the subject of a bid from Chelsea, casting doubt on his role as Sunderland skipper after a successful first campaign with the Black Cats.
But speaking after Switzerland qualified for the quarter-finals of the World Cup, Xhaka told DAZN: "Sunderland is my home, I've felt that way since day one. My family, my children... we're all very happy. I'm sure it's for the long haul because I've decided to stay where I am. Family comes first, and I'm ready to make history with Sunderland, let's see how far we can go.
"I guess I'm like wine, I get better with age. I think I'm gaining a lot of experience from my teammates, my coaches... all of this makes me very happy. I'm still 33 and I think I'm still at my best."
Fabinho or Bissouma for midfield growth? Free agents and who to avoidpublished at 15:13 BST 6 July
15:13 BST 6 July
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We asked for your views on which free agents Sunderland could target this summer and whether there is one player the Black Cats are linked with but you hope they never sign.
Here are some of your comments:
Lee: Alexis Sanchez is available on free. Sunderland would do well to get him.
Liam: I would go for free agents Mo Salah, John Stones, Fabinho, Leon Goretzka and Yves Bissouma, especially as experience does count. If you think of Salah being being a mentor to the right wingers Talbi and Ta Bi, he would get the best out of them, especially as he is an experienced right winger himself. Stones as a mentor to Ballard, Alderete, Mukiele and Seelt would make the defence even stronger than it is now, and the experienced midfielders would lighten the load on Xhaka (who's now staying). Exciting times ahead.
Stephen: Is there really such thing as a free transfer? Players moving for free usually demand higher wages and massive signing-on fees. There's some great talent available but I wouldn't be blinded by 'free' - the positive is there's no obstacles other than some competition to sign them.
Chris: The left-back free agent Abdul Mumin for Europe. One to avoid is Stones for me.
You're the scout! Which World Cup players do you want at your club?published at 12:32 BST 6 July
12:32 BST 6 July
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We're now well into the knockout rounds of the biggest World Cup ever and we want to know who has grabbed your attention - especially with the summer transfer window open since 15 June.
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...
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.
Mayenda makes Rennes move after three seasons with Black Catspublished at 11:06 BST 6 July
11:06 BST 6 July
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Sunderland have confirmed that Eliezer Mayenda has joined Ligue 1 side Rennes for an undisclosed fee.
The 21-year-old signed from Sochaux in July 2023 leaves the Stadium of Light after making 72 appearances, scoring 12 goals and registering six assists.
Mayenda played a key role in the 2024-25 Championship promotion-winning campaign, scoring the winner in the first leg of the play-off semi-final against Coventry City, before netting the equaliser in the play-off final victory over Sheffield United at Wembley.
He scored two goals in 20 Premier League appearances last season.
Xhaka set to stay at Sunderlandpublished at 19:26 BST 3 July
19:26 BST 3 July
Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka is set to stay at the club this summer, despite interest from Chelsea.
The Switzerland midfielder, whose contract ends in 2028, was attracted by the prospect of reuniting with Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, after playing under him at Bayer Leverkusen.
Chelsea saw an £8m bid for Xhaka rejected by Sunderland last week and the Blues had been expected to return with an improved offer.
However, sources at Sunderland have told BBC Sport that the 33-year-old is not for sale and, following discussions, Xhaka has reaffirmed his commitment to the Black Cats.
Chelsea have not given up hope of landing Xhaka, with sources at the club maintaining that the former Arsenal midfielder is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge.
It remains to be seen, however, whether the Blues will submit a further bid for the player.
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
Gossip: Juventus consider Brobbeypublished at 08:18 BST 2 July
08:18 BST 2 July
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
Your World Cup scouting: 'Cracking' Swiss forward or 'gifted' Hammer?published at 13:39 BST 1 July
13:39 BST 1 July
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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.
'Footballers have more spin than politicians' - fans on Xhaka-Chelsea linkpublished at 14:47 BST 30 June
14:47 BST 30 June
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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.
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?
Brobbey leads way as Sunderland top Premier League World Cup goals chartpublished at 17:01 BST 29 June
17:01 BST 29 June
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.
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.
Gossip: Xhaka personal terms with Chelsea will not be an issuepublished at 08:24 BST 29 June
08:24 BST 29 June
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
