Peter Reid surprised by Sunderland's Europa place and expects transfer 'ammo'

Peter Reid said he did not give Sunderland "a prayer" of securing European qualification after their first season back in the Premier League, but he now expects the club to find more "ammo" in the summer transfer window as Regis Le Bris and the board prepare to spend again following a seventh-place finish.

The final standing earned Sunderland a first continental campaign in 53 years; they will compete in the Europa League alongside Juventus, AC Milan, Marseille and Rennes. A final-day win over Chelsea at the Stadium of Light confirmed their place after a rapid rise that began with promotion out of League One four years earlier and victory in the 2025 Championship play-off final.

Reid praised the club's recruitment and structure, pointing to signings such as Granit Xhaka and Brian Brobbey as key to their success. He warned that second seasons are tough, especially with additional European fixtures, and said squad depth is needed while cautioning against wasting money.

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