Sunderland have exceeded all expectations this season, and though there’s still time for them to achieve something incredible, they’ve made a lot of people very happy and excited already.
After last season’s 16th-place finish, Sunderland were not predicted to do much at all in the 2024/25 campaign. Add to that the fact that Regis Le Bris arrived as an absolute unknown, and star player Jack Clarke was sold to Ipswich, and it’s safe to say expectations for the Black Cats were on the floor.
As things stand, however, Sunderland are on track for promotion after a surprisingly consistent and impressive campaign, and they show no signs of slowing down.
Ahead of the all-important clash with Leeds United on Monday night, Sunderland are fourth in the Championship table with 62 points from 32 games. They are just seven points behind their next opponents who sit in second place.
Sunderland’s progress has been huge this season
Whether the Wearside outfit can actually do the unthinkable and claim a top-two spot for automatic promotion, or indeed go up via the play-offs, remains to be seen. But, according to Sunderland expert Michael Graham, it doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things.
Discussing the progress Sunderland have made on Twitter/X, Graham wrote: “This season has been a huge success for Sunderland regardless of how it finishes. The club keep on getting stronger and I think the future is bright, no matter when it all comes together into promotion.”
Digging deeper into the current situation, Graham pinpointed player development for the likes of Eliezer Mayenda and Jobe Bellingham as a good indication that the Black Cats are on the right path for the foreseeable future.
He added: “I think this season has been the one that has convinced a hell of a lot of fans that the strategy is a good one and can work. Selling Clarke yet improving, Mayenda and Jobe developing etc.”
If they fail this season, can Sunderland win the Championship next year?
While Sunderland have been mighty impressive this season, the Black Cats are at a major disadvantage to their promotion rivals in terms of squad depth and financial power. Indeed, it will take a huge effort to overthrow any one of Burnley, Leeds, or Sheffield United and claim a top spot this season.
Let’s assume Sunderland do miss out this season. That will mean two of those teams are moving on to the Premier League, leaving Le Bris’ side as surely one of the two best teams left in the second tier for next season.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  Sheff UtdSheffield Utd | 33 | 22 | 6 | 5 | 47 | 23 | 24 | 70 |
| 2 |  LeedsLeeds | 32 | 20 | 9 | 3 | 66 | 19 | 47 | 69 |
| 3 |  BurnleyBurnley | 33 | 17 | 14 | 2 | 39 | 9 | 30 | 65 |
| 4 |  SunderlandSunderland | 32 | 17 | 11 | 4 | 49 | 28 | 21 | 62 |
| 5 |  BlackburnBlackburn | 33 | 15 | 6 | 12 | 39 | 31 | 8 | 51 |
| 6 |  West BromWest Brom | 33 | 11 | 15 | 7 | 42 | 31 | 11 | 48 |
If we also assume the likes of Southampton, Ipswich, and perhaps Leicester City are all coming straight back down, surely only the latter can be a significant threat next season at the top of the Championship.
With the style of play Le Bris has put in place and the spirit and mentality among the Sunderland squad already looking strong, they’ll be a force to be reckoned with one more next season. Add to this the fact that the Black Cats will either have top players, or a lot of money to spend from the sale of the likes of Bellingham and Chris Rigg, and they’ll be able to put together a unit that will surely be right up there once again.
Often, the disappointment of missing out one season can fuel the fire for the next — as we’ve seen with Leeds this term — and it would be a brave man to bet against Sunderland’s promotion hopes in 2025/26.