The fiercest promoted team, Sunderland, spent €190 million this summer to sign 11 new players and currently ranks 4th with 11 points after the first 6 Premier League rounds.

Over the last two Premier League seasons, all three promoted teams faced relegation, highlighting the disparity between the Premier League and the Championship. This served as a wake-up call for this season’s promoted clubs. Therefore, Sunderland heavily invested €187.9 million this summer to bring in 11 new signings, effectively transforming their squad. Among them, former Arsenal captain Xhaka returned to the Premier League by joining Sunderland, becoming the midfield core of the Black Cats. Their overall strength now contrasts sharply with their Championship days.

By the 6th round of the Premier League, seven matches have been played, with many surprises. Manchester United’s loss was not unexpected, but defeats for Liverpool and Chelsea were quite shocking. Tottenham even handed the bottom-placed Wolves their first points of the season. Sunderland’s 1-0 away win against European competition Nottingham Forest showcased the strength of the fiercest promoted team.

After 6 rounds, Sunderland has an impressive record of 3 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss, totaling 11 points and currently sitting in 4th place. While most promoted teams aim just to avoid relegation, Sunderland’s strength this season makes survival a certainty. Interestingly, their next Premier League match is away at Manchester United. Can the fiercest promoted side defeat a struggling United? During the Ferguson era, Sunderland was practically a point booster for United. Will the Black Cats be able to tear apart the Red Devils this time?

The chart above shows the 11 new signings Sunderland made this summer, essentially turning into a different team competing in the Premier League. It’s clear why this promoted side is so formidable.