Sunderland fans are set to see a strange starting XI at the Stadium of Light according to predictions made by Football Manager 2024.
Sunderland fans around the globe are expecting plenty of change around the Stadium of Light this summer.
On top of a new incoming manager, plenty of the Black Cats’ first team are rumoured to depart. This could help see a completely new look to the squad by the end of the summer window.
As a result, Sunderland AFC News has turned to the simulation game Football Manager 2024 to see what they predict the potential future line-up could look like.
Progressing to the opening match of the 2026/27 season, the Black Cats have just been promoted back into the Premier League. With Marco Silva as their manager, their starting XI will certainly raise a few eyebrows.
Therefore, this article looks at which players the AI has in its Sunderland first-team, three years into the future.
GK – Anthony Patterson
Keeping his place in between the sticks is Anthony Patterson. The Black Cats managed to hold onto their number one ‘keeper throughout their spell in the Championship.
If Sunderland can pull this off in real life, it will be a big boost to their long-term ambitions. Patterson has been regularly linked away in 2024 with Wolves the latest team reportedly eyeing the goalie.
RB – Cristian Manea
Sunderland brought in Romania right-back Cristian Manea from CFR Cluj for £2.5 million at the start of the 2025/26 season.
The experienced defender quickly became the starter in his position as the Black Cats gained promotion to the Premier League.
In real life, Manea is a regular for Romania and still plays in his home country’s domestic league.
CB – Davide Bettella
The Black Cats brought in another new defender when they signed Davide Bettella upon their promotion back into the top flight.
The Italian is believed to be a promising talent in the real world. Playing for Monza in the Serie A, Bettella struggled throughout the 2023/24 campaign with injuries.
CB – Leo Hjelde
Another Black Cat who has managed to keep his place in the side. Leo Hjelde’s game time built up over the course of the first three seasons until he became one of the most valuable players at the club.
After signing in January 2024, Hjelde struggled in real life as the club hit a poor run of form in the second half of the season. Hopefully, in the upcoming campaign, he will start to fulfil his potential.
LB – Aji Alese
Aji Alese has also kept his spot in the starting XI at Sunderland. This may come as no surprise to the Stadium of Light faithful.
During the terrible second half of the season, the full-back was one of the club’s only shining lights. As a result, Alese was rewarded with a new contract.
RM – Allahyar Sayyadmanesh
The third new face on this list, Sunderland brought winger Allahyar Sayyadmanesh back to the English divisions after a spell in Belgium.
Keen eyes may recognise Sayyadmanesh as the Iranian played for Hull City between 2022-24. He has since played for Westerlo after signing in January.
However, Marco Silva saw the winger as a great new addition on a free transfer after their promotion back to the Premier League.
Read more: Everything you need to know about Sunderland’s 2024 pre-season tour.
CM – Abdoullah Ba
Perhaps a surprise for many of the Sunderland faithful. Abdoullah Ba has remained a first-team player at the club, with him now undertaking a central midfielder position.
The Frenchman was one of many Sunderland players to struggle last season. Ba’s attacking abilities were regularly questioned as he fumbled multiple chances.
CM – Pierre Ekwah
Another upcoming Sunderland talent, Pierre Ekwah struggled throughout the 2023/24 campaign.
However, the 22-year-old clearly has the potential to become a vital player in the future for the Black Cats and on Football Manager, this has been realised. Ekwah is now a star player and was crucial during their Championship-winning campaign.
LM – Dylan Williams
Perhaps the least-known player on this list, Dylan Williams is seen as another upcoming star in the footballing world.
The 20-year-old Englishman currently plays for Chelsea but is yet to make a first-team appearance for the club.
On Football Manager, Sunderland took a gamble on the youngster, signing him for £1 million in 2025 and he has since become a regular.
Read more: Every key date for Sunderland’s 2024/25 campaign.
ST – Jobe Bellingham
The main star of the team, Jobe Bellingham has permanently become a striker at the Stadium of Light to great success.
The Englishman was key to the Black Cats’ promotion and became crucial at linking the midfield with the attack.
It remains to be seen if Sunderland can hold onto the future star for this long in real life. Bellingham has been linked to a host of clubs in 2024 including Lazio.
ST – Matheus Peixoto
The final player in the starting XI, Sunderland brought in Brazilian striker Matheus Peixoto into the club for £1.9 million and never looked back.
In total, he has scored 55 goals for the Black Cats in the league, including an incredible 31 goals in their Championship-winning campaign.
In real life, Matheus Peixoto makes his trade for Japanese side Jubilo Iwata.