Sunderland are European competitors. Two years ago, the Black Cats were reeling after a 16th-place finish in the Championship, concerns over their new-found stability in the second tier.

That Regis Le Bris faced rumours over the security of his position in the dugout toward the latter stages of the campaign can only be described as bonkers; the French manager has done an incredible job at the Stadium of Light over the past couple of years.

But it’s still true that underlying metrics call for success. Sunderland could be tighter at the back, and they could certainly do with some more flair in attack, and a clinical edge.

Sunderland could sign Champions League forward

Sunderland’s seventh-place Premier League finish has secured for them a place in next year’s Europa League proper, and Le Bris has candidly spoken of the need for greater depth, with “three to four” fresh lockers required on top of the existing options.

Sunderland were a touch goal-shy this year, and while the decision-makers are working toward signing a frontman to challenge Brian Brobbey, there’s a case to be made that adding creative quality is just as important.

According to Sports Boom last week, Sunderland are among the myriad of outfits lining up to sign Barcelona youngster Roony Bardghji, who could be on the move this summer as he searches for more playing time.

Valued at £22m by his Catalan employers, it doesn’t seem like there will be much resistence for Bardghji if that valuation is met, leaving Sunderland with an excellent opportunity to sign one of the most thrilling young wingers on the market.

Aston Villa and Leeds United currently have the lead in the race, but the Black Cats have yet to ramp up their interest, and the blend of European football and a clear pathway to the spot as star man could help Sunderland in their ambitious bid for someone who could establish himself as their top target, even over someone like Chris Rigg.

Why Bardghji could be a bigger talent than Chris Rigg

Hailed as a “world-class talent” from his formative days by football scout Jacek Kulig, Bardghji is the real deal, someone with the physicality and flair to make a big difference in the Premier League for an industrious Sunderland side in need of a bit more sparkle in attack.

Since leaving Copenhagen and joining Barcelona as a teenager, the Sweden international (who has not been picked by Graham Potter to go to the World Cup) has only featured 28 times, scoring twice and supplying four assists.

Still, his natural gifts are incredible, his pace and physicality and potency in the danger area. A can of worms in attack, he could eclipse even the impact of Rigg at Sunderland, growing into his skin in an important role within Le Bris’ structured system.

Rigg only started 11 Premier League games this season, but he has established himself as one of the most exciting up-and-comers in the country, with the potential to become a leading figure in the future.

Fleet-footed and fearless, Bardghji is still only 20 years old, but he does need to start performing with more consistency, as befits his absurd natural talent.

Rigg is a fine example of how up-and-coming prospects should conduct themselves in nailing down a starting berth at the top level, but if Bardghji irons out those few creases, he could even outstrip the Wearside superstar.

If Sunderland manage to land this right-sided winger, they could go from strength to strength and make thew 2026/27 season one which trumps the recent success under Le Bris’ wing.