Sunderland AFC Latest Updates and Analysis | SAFC News, Transfer Rumours and More Catch up on all the Sunderland AFC latest news, including match recaps, SAFC transfer rumours, fixtures, injury updates, and expert fan insights.
In a significant move to bolster their offensive line-up, Sunderland AFC has solidified their squad by signing Bertrand Traore from Ajax on a one-year contract, with an optional extension for a further year. The announcement from the club has stirred excitement among the fanbase, as the Burkina Faso international brings with him a wealth of experience from the Premier League.
At 27, Traore is no stranger to the high-intensity football of the top European leagues, having seasoned spells at Chelsea and Lyon before Ajax. His return to the Premier League appears to be a major coup for Sunderland, aiming to add depth and versatility to their attacking options. Traore expressed his joy about the move, citing the club’s vibrant start to the season and the positive atmosphere as key factors in his decision.
"I'm really happy to join Sunderland," Traore commented during his unveiling. “It’s a huge club and for me, it feels great to be back in the Premier League. I've seen the team's dynamics and I'm excited to be part of this project."
Traore also noted the advantage of familiar faces in the team, highlighting his relationships with fellow newcomers like Simon Adingra and Brian Brobbey, which he believes will aid in his acclimation to the club.
Traore's arrival could be pivotal for Sunderland. Known for his agility, precise finishing, and ability to operate across multiple offensive positions, his inclusion is expected to introduce a fresh dynamism to the team's forward play. This could be crucial in tight games, particularly against more defensively robust teams in the league.
Moreover, his previous Premier League experience with Chelsea offers him an understanding of the physicality and pace required, potentially allowing him to make an immediate impact. Sunderland fans will be eager to see if Traore can replicate the form that once made him a key player in top-tier European matches.
Manager Alex Neil might be contemplating a few tactical tweaks with Traore's signing. We could see Traore slotting in on the right flank, allowing more fluid rotations in the attacking third and possibly freeing up Lynden Gooch or Jack Clarke for more central roles or even providing them rest without sacrificing quality.
Traore's versatility means he could also be used as a second striker or a winger, making Sunderland’s attack unpredictable and multifaceted. His ability to link up play, combined with his physicality and technical skills, should complement the current forwards and help in breaking down the opposition's defensive setups.
As Sunderland prepares for their upcoming fixtures, the addition of Traore is expected to be a significant boost. His debut, anticipated with great excitement at the Stadium of Light, could come soon, and fans will be keen to see how he integrates into Neil’s game plan.
The pressure will be on from the get-go, but Traore seems all set not just to handle it but thrive under it. Sunderland supporters, prepare your scarves and cheers; a new exciting chapter may just be about to unfold at the Stadium of Light.
And as for our rivals, let's hope they enjoy watching Traore's back as much as we'll enjoy cheering his goals!
To Play!
Goal Gurus. How To Play each week.
First you need to create an account. Click Here.
2025-26:
Predict scores for your team 2025-26 season.
Join our league, forecast games (P)
Nail exact scores (CS=3pts),
or get results right (CR=1pt).
Your total points (Pts)
and prediction ratio (%) break ties like goal difference.
1. Players can join the Goal Gurus game at any point during the season
2. Obviously, the sooner a player starts the earlier the more chances they have of accumulating points (and having a higher prediction ratio) therefore the incentive is to join the game sooner rather than later.
3. It’s three points for a correct score line.
4. And 1 point for predicting the correct result.
5. And each game player predicts on counts as a game played.
6. Players are separated who are level on points by the 'Prediction Ratio %'. The 'Prediction Ratio %' is an algorithm that weights the prediction in terms of how close the prediction was percentage wise to the actual result. For example, if a person predict exactly right the score line that would be a 100% prediction ratio.
7. The winner of the league will be the person who is top at the end of the season. Yes, there will be Prizes.
Meet our AI bot BALL-E!
