SUNDERLAND WON PROMOTION BACK TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE IN THE PLAY-OFF FINAL AT WEMBLEY 13:00, 26 May 2025 Curtis Davies highlighted how Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League is

important in many more ways than just the obvious. Sunderland beat Sheffield United 2-1 at Wembley in the play-off final to secure their return to the top flight after an eight-year absence.

It follows a season in which their incredibly young team of stars have exceeded all expectations to be in promotion contention. While being in the Premier League is itself an important

thing for a club of Sunderland’s stature, the financial benefits of making it to the top flight again are obvious. But not achieving the win over Sheffield United at Wembley could have

with the Riggs and Neils would have left. That is why it was so crucial that they got up this season so they can retain those kinds of players. “Dan Ballard as well. He was immense in the

semi-final. It’s nice from my perspective to see a defender just be a defender. Yes, they are very good footballers nowadays and do all they do with the ball, but Ballard is old school in

the way he puts his body on the line. It’s fantastic. He’ll be good in the Premier League.” Article continues below Promotion to the Premier League will offer no guarantees for Sunderland to

keep their best players. This outcome is unlikely to deter Dortmund and other German sides from trying to attract Bellingham to the Bundesliga this summer, while many other young Black Cats

stars will continue to court attention. However, with the ability to offer Premier League football and the financial boost that makes selling players no longer a necessity this summer,

Sunderland’s position to be able to keep their best stars has certainly been strengthened. As well as potentially keeping key players, promotion meant that Le Fee's move from Roma will

become a permanent one too.