Kristjaan Speakman has made an ambitious claim ahead of the new Championship season.
Sunderland are currently amid a positive pre-season after significant transfer signings of goalkeeper Simon Moore and midfielder Alan Browne in order to bring experience into the young squad.
Sunderland lacked real leadership in the last campaign after finishing in an unsatisfactory 16th position under both Michael Beale and Mike Dodds, who both struggled to galvanise the squad from the off.
However, the need for experience has been realised by Kristjaan Speakman ahead of the 2024/25 Championship campaign, who also targeted the signing of former Premier League midfielder Oliver Norwood before opting with former Preston North End captain Browne.
Star player Jobe Bellingham has also decided to stay at the Stadium of Light for the following season, despite interest from Premier League side Crystal Palace.
Plans are fully in swing ahead of the new season, with Speakman being confident enough to make a claim that will get every Sunderland fan excited.
Kristjaan Speakman opens up on Sunderland Premier League ambition
Sunderland’s Sporting Director Speakman has optimistically raised the bar high for Regis Le Bris and Sunderland ahead of the new season.
Per Roker Report on X, Speakman said: “The ambition is to get the club back to the Premier League.
“The expectation is to finish much, much higher in the league.
“We have to get there together.”
Sunderland went close to back-to-back promotions after finishing in the play-off spots in the 2022/23 season, but were undone by Luton Town, who achieved promotion that season.
Despite that successful season, Sunderland couldn’t build on that fate after the disappointment of the last campaign.
Has Kristjaan Speakman’s optimism been matched by his ambition
Le Bris will have quite a task on his hands if the Black Cats are to be gunning for promotion, especially considering how low the ranks were on confidence in the last term.
However, Le Bris’ start to life in Wearside has been a beneficial one, and he is a perfect manager to get the best out of the young squad, who still have a high potential ability despite their performances in the latter stages of last season.
Bellingham is a player that Le Bris will have at his disposal, who certainly isn’t far off Premier League quality.
Providing that Patterson and Jack Clarke stay as well, Le Bris could be equipped for a promotion push.
The crucial factor in the promotion chances for Sunderland this season depends on if they are able to get a striker through the door, with very limited choices available at this moment in time.
Speakman has made positive changes and additions since Le Bris’ arrival, if they carry on with further experienced players coming through the door, as well as a natural goalscorer at this level, then Sunderland could be in a position to push forward.