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Legendary former Sunderland manager Peter Reid has confessed that he never imagined the Black Cats would clinch European qualification in their first season back in the Premier League. Speaking to GOAL, Reid admitted he “did not give them a prayer” of achieving such a feat, but now believes Sunderland can add more “ammo” in the upcoming summer transfer window. Under Regis Le Bris, the club’s management is prepared to invest again after defying expectations with a seventh-place finish.

Sunderland’s top-seven finish has earned them a place in European competition for the first time in 53 years. The Wearside club will feature in next season’s Europa League alongside continental giants such as Juventus, AC Milan, Marseille, and Rennes.

Remarkably, just four years ago, Sunderland were celebrating promotion from League One after spending four seasons in the third tier of English football. Their resurgence continued when they returned to the Premier League by winning the Championship play-off final in 2025.

Many doubted whether Sunderland’s rapid rise could continue once they rejoined the Premier League elite, but astute recruitment—bringing in the likes of Granit Xhaka and Brian Brobbey—enabled them to hold their own at the highest level. A dramatic final-day win over Chelsea at the Stadium of Light sealed their qualification for Europe.

Reid, who twice guided Sunderland to promotion and secured two seventh-place finishes between 1995 and 2002, believes the club can maintain their momentum with more smart recruitment. Speaking at BUDDS’ major World Cup-themed sports memorabilia auction, the former boss reflected: “Believe it or not, I was at the play-off games when they went up. Coventry were the better side over the two legs, and Sheffield United, in my opinion, were probably the stronger team as well. But Sunderland found a way.”

He continued: “Everyone was saying Sunderland were going down. But look at their recruitment—Xhaka has been superb, absolutely superb. With the way the club is structured now and the incredible fan base, I wouldn’t be surprised if they go again. If their recruitment this summer is as good as last year’s, they’ll have the ammo.”

Reid recalled watching Tottenham’s clash with Everton on the final day of the season, saying: “It was a big game, and Sunderland’s European hopes were hanging by a thread. I thought there’s not a prayer—but they did it. I’m delighted for the fans because they’re just unbelievable. Fantastic support, massive club, amazing history. Recruitment is key, but they’ve done brilliantly. I think they can keep progressing, though it will be tough.”

As Sunderland prepare for the added challenge of European football, squad depth will be crucial. Balancing domestic and continental fixtures often leads to overspending, but Reid is confident the club knows how to avoid that pitfall. “Look at what they did in the last transfer window—it was incredible,” he said. “They’ve got to go again.”

He added: “In football management, the three key aspects are man management, recruitment, and developing players through the academy. Sunderland have done brilliantly in recent years. Don’t forget they produced players like Jordan Pickford and Jordan Henderson. They’ve been through tough times, even dropping to the third tier, but with the current structure in place, I’m convinced they’ll go from strength to strength.”

Reid remains a beloved figure among Sunderland supporters for the success and pride he brought to the club during his tenure. The current generation looks set to inspire similar passion, as their performances have reignited interest among fans and collectors alike. Memorabilia linked to the club and football legends continues to attract high bids at auctions.

At the recent BUDDS World Cup Auction—held on 25 June 2026, with online bidding starting on 2 June—some iconic football collectibles went under the hammer. Notably, 1966 England shirts worn by Martin Peters and Alan Ball fetched £140,000 and £30,000 respectively, while a Pele jersey sold for £42,000. The auction took place as the World Cup finals unfolded across North America, drawing global attention to football’s rich history and memorabilia market.