The World Cup is doing a fantastic job of filling the Premier League void, but there is nothing quite like club football.
As the tournament in North America heads towards its climax, there is a Sunderland fanbase waiting for the 2026-27 season with anticipation.
So, it has got us thinking: what are you looking forward to most about club football resuming?
Pre-season is just around the corner and the Premier League returns in less than 50 days.
Here is Sunderland's pre-season schedule - with kick-off times in BST.
Sunderland, Aston Villa, Leeds United, Fulham and Brighton are all interested in 20-year-old Sweden and Barcelona winger Roony Bardghji. (Sport, via Sport Witness), external
Hit play below to hear a round-up of Sunderland transfer rumours or listen on BBC Sounds here
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
When the World Cup ends, regardless of who wins, we'll still have loads of great content every day as we build up to the new Premier League season.
We're already working on some exciting new things for 2026-27.
As well as all the fallout and reaction to the tournament, we'll quickly shift back towards club football, with pre-season coverage and all the latest transfer gossip and stories.
BBC Sport and teams across BBC Nations and Regions cover all 20 Premier League sides and we have dedicated club reporters, who will be travelling to bring you behind-the-scenes insights from pre-season tours.
We'll also have live pages for selected pre-season matches, as well as in-depth features and storytelling, giving you the latest updates before the new campaign.
Once the World Cup ends, some of the standout players will be hot property in the transfer market, with top clubs chasing their signatures.
Our reporters, including senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel, will be breaking the big transfer stories on our website and app.
We'll also have our daily transfer gossip column, wrapping up all the rumours from across the football world.
For fans of World Cup Predictor, a new weekly game will be launching immediately after the tournament, with five fixtures a week to predict the outcomes of. You'll be able to build up your streaks and share your results with friends and family.
Our quizzes will also continue to be available to play so you can test your knowledge of the beautiful game.
Our new Shorts tab in the BBC Sport app will be the home of sport videos with content throughout the week from your club, including explainers, pundit analysis, interviews and behind-the-scenes content. We'll also be starting to include more reaction from fans so you can see the latest hot takes and debate the biggest talking points from your club.
Live pages are going to get bigger and better with more interactive elements, more conversation and improved functionality. They'll have BBC Radio 5 Live audio commentaries for the Premier League and Champions League, as well as live video for FA Cup.
Remember, the best way to get all of this content is to download the BBC Sport app and follow your favourite teams and sports using the My Sport tab.
Once you've set this up, you'll have quick access to those pages at the top of your Home tab and we'll be able to serve you better, more personalised, experiences in future.
And when following your Premier League team, from the start of the 2026-27 season you'll also get Live Notifications, which give you score updates directly on your phone's lock screen during a match.
"It would be prudent to sell someone at a big profit," believes The Athletic's football finance writer Chris Weatherspoon, as Sunderland look to stay on the right side of PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules) and SCR (Squad-Cost Ratio) in their second season since promotion to the top flight.
Weatherspoon, who also supports the Black Cats, spoke about the club's financial position on BBC Radio Newcastle: "From our reporting at the end of the 2025-26 season, the club made about £168m from Premier League prize money alone and they are going to get about £10m from being in the Europa League.
"The club has already said they aren't under any financial pressure. They aren't in the position other clubs have found themselves in where they have to sell a player to adhere to the rules.
"However, they won't be able to spend the thick end of £200m again without selling some players.
"When they sell a player like Eliezer Mayenda for good money, as they just have done, that enhances their spending ability. The timing of a sale doesn't really matter, it is the length of the contract that means something.
"For example, if you sign a player for £25m on a five-year contract, that hits the club's books at £5m per year plus wages - so Sunderland spent about £200m but that didn't immediately go on their books.
"They also came up to the Premier League with an incredibly cheap squad, so that's why they were in a position to go and do what they did. But, outside of the big six, very few clubs can consistently spend £200m a year so we shouldn't expect them to repeat that this summer.
"It would be prudent to sell someone at a big profit and I would be very surprised if they didn't have to field at least one big bid for a player this summer.
"We also don't know what Sunderland's wage bill was for the season just gone - and that is a big variable. It will be substantially higher than what it was in the Championship, but if we don't know by how much then it makes it difficult to predict what they can spend this summer."
Hit play above to hear the full conversation or listen on BBC Sounds here
Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic remains a target for Premier League clubs with Sunderland, Newcastle, Leeds and Bournemouth all keen on the 23-year-old Bosnia-Herzegovina international. (Corriere dello Sport via Football Italia), external
Meanwhile, the Black Cats are aiming to make Roma's 23-year-old Argentine winger Matias Soule their first signing of the summer. He is valued at about 35m euros (£30m) (Northern Echo), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesPlenty of players have made names for themselves at this World Cup, from goalkeepers like Cape Verde's Vozinha and Paraguay's Orlando Gill to New Zealand midfielder Elijah Just.
But though they might not have been familiar to fans, the extent of modern scouting means clubs all over the world will already have known about many of them – so how have their heroics at the tournament affected their standing in the game, and their value in the transfer market?
More than the Score's Mani Djazmi is joined Ben Littlemore from Transfermarkt, one of the world's foremost football databases. Lutz Pfannenstiel, sporting director at Aberdeen, also shares his footballing knowledge in today's episode.
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Portugal defender Jose Fonte is joining Sunderland as part of Regis le Bris' technical coaching team.
The 42-year-old retired from playing at the end of last season. His career spanned 24 years, during which he made almost 900 senior appearances for club and country.
Fonte is best known in England for his eight seasons at Southampton between 2010 and 2017, during which time he made 288 appearances.
Sunderland director of football Florent Ghisolfi said: "Jose joins our coaching team with a wealth of experience as a player at the top level. He will bring that experience, along with tremendous energy, to a technical staff that is already performing outstandingly under the guidance of Regis.
"We believe those qualities, combined with his strong leadership skills, will add great value to our club as we look to push forward both in the Premier League and on the European stage."
Fonte will officially start his role on 20 July.
Image source, Getty ImagesGranit Xhaka says he is "ready to make history with Sunderland" after a summer in which his future has been uncertain.
The Switzerland captain was the subject of a bid from Chelsea, casting doubt on his role as Sunderland skipper after a successful first campaign with the Black Cats.
But speaking after Switzerland qualified for the quarter-finals of the World Cup, Xhaka told DAZN: "Sunderland is my home, I've felt that way since day one. My family, my children... we're all very happy. I'm sure it's for the long haul because I've decided to stay where I am. Family comes first, and I'm ready to make history with Sunderland, let's see how far we can go.
"I guess I'm like wine, I get better with age. I think I'm gaining a lot of experience from my teammates, my coaches... all of this makes me very happy. I'm still 33 and I think I'm still at my best."
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on which free agents Sunderland could target this summer and whether there is one player the Black Cats are linked with but you hope they never sign.
Here are some of your comments:
Lee: Alexis Sanchez is available on free. Sunderland would do well to get him.
Liam: I would go for free agents Mo Salah, John Stones, Fabinho, Leon Goretzka and Yves Bissouma, especially as experience does count. If you think of Salah being being a mentor to the right wingers Talbi and Ta Bi, he would get the best out of them, especially as he is an experienced right winger himself. Stones as a mentor to Ballard, Alderete, Mukiele and Seelt would make the defence even stronger than it is now, and the experienced midfielders would lighten the load on Xhaka (who's now staying). Exciting times ahead.
Stephen: Is there really such thing as a free transfer? Players moving for free usually demand higher wages and massive signing-on fees. There's some great talent available but I wouldn't be blinded by 'free' - the positive is there's no obstacles other than some competition to sign them.
Chris: The left-back free agent Abdul Mumin for Europe. One to avoid is Stones for me.
Image source, Getty ImagesWe're now well into the knockout rounds of the biggest World Cup ever and we want to know who has grabbed your attention - especially with the summer transfer window open since 15 June.
Which player has raised your eyebrows? Who has exceeded your expectations? Has there been a player you had no knowledge of consistently impress you?
Ultimately, who would you realistically like to see lining up for your team in the Premier League next season?
This is your opportunity to show off your talent-spotting skills - the floor (pitch) is yours...
Tell us the players you want, with your reasoning, here
Enjoy the World Cup across BBC Sport
Image source, BBC SportFrom live TV coverage to highlights, analysis and reaction, our dedicated team will ensure you don't miss a kick of the biggest World Cup yet.
And there's more - the BBC has launched live match updates so you can see the score directly on your lock screen through the full 90 minutes and beyond.
This means you can keep track of every game wherever you are - whether you're on the move, at work, or away from a TV. With live match updates on your lock screen, the score is always just a glance away.
This feature will also extend into the 2026-27 Premier League season, so you're never out of the loop.
A new predictor game has been introduced to cover this year's World Cup, allowing users to pick what they think will be the result from every match.
The game also features streaks, so make sure to check in each day and make your predictions.
Ever wanted to see a World Cup match from every angle? How about a full-pitch tactical view? Or even see the match through the eyes of a player?
Well, now you can with Fifa World Cup 3D Experience, which is a UK-first that is only available on BBC Sport.
The interactive game experience gives viewers more choice to explore the match both in real time, highlights and full-match replays.
Finally, here are some more handy links:
Image source, Getty ImagesSunderland have confirmed that Eliezer Mayenda has joined Ligue 1 side Rennes for an undisclosed fee.
The 21-year-old signed from Sochaux in July 2023 leaves the Stadium of Light after making 72 appearances, scoring 12 goals and registering six assists.
Mayenda played a key role in the 2024-25 Championship promotion-winning campaign, scoring the winner in the first leg of the play-off semi-final against Coventry City, before netting the equaliser in the play-off final victory over Sheffield United at Wembley.
He scored two goals in 20 Premier League appearances last season.
Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka is set to stay at the club this summer, despite interest from Chelsea.
The Switzerland midfielder, whose contract ends in 2028, was attracted by the prospect of reuniting with Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, after playing under him at Bayer Leverkusen.
Chelsea saw an £8m bid for Xhaka rejected by Sunderland last week and the Blues had been expected to return with an improved offer.
However, sources at Sunderland have told BBC Sport that the 33-year-old is not for sale and, following discussions, Xhaka has reaffirmed his commitment to the Black Cats.
Chelsea have not given up hope of landing Xhaka, with sources at the club maintaining that the former Arsenal midfielder is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge.
It remains to be seen, however, whether the Blues will submit a further bid for the player.
We have been asking you questions about Sunderland all summer. Our latest is a two-pronged query...
First, is there anyone on the free transfer list you think makes sense or is realistic as a signing?
Mohamed Salah, John Stones, Solly March, Fabinho, Leon Goretzka, Dusan Vlahovic, Daichi Kamada and Yves Bissouma are just some of the names currently available - and you can see a list here of the 15 free agents involved at the World Cup.
And secondly, is there a player the Black Cats are constantly linked with but you hope they never sign? If so, who and why?
Image source, Getty Images"Clearly we wouldn't be at this stage if Xhaka wasn't interested in leaving."
That's the view of former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini after Chelsea sent an £8m bid for the Sunderland midfielder last week.
Despite the club rejecting the offer, Gabbiadini believes the 33-year-old must want to consider his options.
Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle, Gabbiadini said: "There's obviously been conversations had and he wants to take the opportunity if it's there. I thought it could be more down to his future in terms of coaching, and wanting to create some kind of connection with Alonso who's he already got one with - could it be he steps into a coaching role at some stage with him?
"But it's disappointing for Sunderland fans.
"He might say he's just concentrating on the World Cup, but usually, and especially with someone as experienced as him, he's not going to have somebody out there representing him or talking to people and him being kept put of the loop. It's being driven by him."
Should Chelsea come back in with a more attractive offer Gabbiadini believes the team would cope without their captain.
"Last season was a season of harmony, a squad of players who fought and stuck together in difficult circumstances at times and came through it and grew as the season went on – he was a huge part of that," he added.
"So, I think that's going to be an issue, but football isn't about one player on the team, it's a team sport and we can still be a really good side without Xhaka."
Click play below to hear the full discussion or listen on BBC Sounds here
More from Gabbiadini: 'I hope Mayenda's career goes far'
Roma and Morocco midfielder Neil El Aynaoui is being monitored by a number of Premier League clubs, with Sunderland, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Brighton, Bournemouth and Newcastle United all asking about the 25-year-old's availability. (Teamtalk), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column
Senegal lost 3-2 to Belgium on Wednesday, as the African side were knocked out of the 2026 World Cup.
Sunderland's Habib Diarra opened the scoring which saw him become the first Senegal player to score in both of his first two starts at the World Cup.
Watch the full highlights above.
Sunderland and Netherlands forward Brian Brobbey, 24, is being considered by Juventus as an alternative to their first-choice target, 27-year-old Frenchman Randal Kolo Muani from Paris St-Germain. (TuttoMercatoWeb - in Italian), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Sunderland.
Here are some of your comments:
Colin: Johan Manzambi looks a cracking player. Young, athletic, technically gifted and gets forward from midfield with real purpose. Exactly the sort of profile Sunderland have been targeting. Swiss international with huge potential – I'd love to see us make a move before his price goes through the roof.
Stephen: Jordan Bos of Feyenoord and Australia. Impressed especially against Turkey and ranks as the fastest (and probably strongest) player at the World Cup.
He had a fantastic season with Feyenoord and is not only a great physical defender, but he is also excellent in transition and provided a high number of quality goal chances in the for his team last season.
Keith: Jonathan David from Juventus - we need another striker capable of double figures in the Premier League. David is strong, young and works well off the ball. That fits Sunderland's mindset.
Merv: I'd have Crysencio Summerville for Sunderland. He is a very gifted player but with bags of potential for further development and I think that Regis le Bris is the manager best equipped to help him realise his full potential.
Julius: Canadian midfielder Jacob Shaffelburg from Los Angeles FC.
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your feelings about Chelsea's pursuit of Sunderland's Granit Xhaka, after the Black Cats rejected an £8m bid for their captain.
Here are some of your comments:
Stephen: Professional footballers have more spin than politicians. They get interviewed and say what the club and fans want to hear - promises of being here long term and wanting to be part of this project. We see it almost every time a high-profile footballer signs for a new club and we hear it in every post-match interview - and then, out of the blue, they go back on all their promises.
Denise: He's been an inspiration to Sunderland and we'll miss him, but if he wants to go we need to let him go. Moving forward, we need to carry on the momentum and remember that, as influential as he was, he wasn't a one-man band. We have an abundance of talent in this team, with age on their side, and we can only get better.
Alan: Chelsea are totally to blame for the feeling of betrayal. If we look at Xhaka's final-match speech, he chose his words carefully and he lacked excitement in his voice. £8m is based on his age and not the outstanding skills he brings on and off the field. Sunderland need to hold out for £20m, which recoups the fee we paid and is something toward his replacement. It's our chairman I feel for. Kyril has built a team around a shared vision, but I'm sure we will continue to move forward - starting in Europe next season.
Rory: Disbelief is my emotion. I'm waiting to hear from the man himself. No doubt he's a great and key player, but what made him really standout were his words when he came. He really believed in our project and said he and his family were happy on Wearside, principally because the area was similar to his roots. Was it all lies? Until I hear from the man himself, I'm a disbeliever.
Tom: Every player has his price but Xhaka is special, not only for his playing ability but his attitude and professionalism. He must be worth £30m a season to Sunderland so that's the minimum price I would accept - although I would prefer to stand firm and insist he honours his contract.
Chris: I think Xhaka has made up his mind that he wants to leave so let's get as much money as we can because an unhappy player brings down the dressing room. I feel let down but there's no loyalty in football any more.
Sunderland fans have been reacting to the news the Black Cats have rejected an £8m bid from Chelsea for captain Granit Xhaka.
Xhaka is known to be open to a reunion with former manager Xabi Alonso at Stamford Bridge, having won the Bundesliga together at Bayer Leverkusen in 2024.
Personal terms have not yet been agreed with Chelsea, however.
Supporter Eric told BBC Radio Newcastle: "The first emotion is one of sadness. It's very sad that such a wonderful relationship will be soured and the most important and influential player we've signed in my lifetime will be leaving.
"His legacy will be tainted. Maybe in a few years we'll look back and forgive him a little bit for what he wants to do now, but I'm sad. I'm disappointed that he's having his head turned.
"The strongest emotion is concern because I think he's bigger than just the player on the pitch. He has turned Sunderland into something I could never have believed.
"We just have to trust what Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and the leadership team are doing."
Another Black Cats fan, Arthur, focused his attention on the Blues: "They've been disrespectful to Sunderland and offered a paltry £8m.
"They cannot rate him very highly if only offering £8m. If you want good, you pay top dollar. Xhaka is top dollar."
How has Chelsea's chase for Xhaka left you feeling? Would there be any price you'd sell him for?
Get in touch with your views here
Hit play at the top of this post to hear the full discussion on BBC Radio Newcastle, or listen on BBC Sounds here
