Sunderland fans told truth over ‘£200m promotion windfall’
Sunderland achieved a return to the Premier League after an eight-year absence last week – beating Sheffield United in the Championship playoff final.
The yearly Wembley showdown is often referred to as the richest game in football – as promotion comes with huge financial benefits for second-tier clubs.
Football Insider has revealed (29 May) that Sunderland’s hierarchy will make “big” funds available for a summer transfer overhaul – as Regis Le Bris’ squad was the youngest in the Championship this term.
It has been widely reported that the Black Cats stand to bank £200million for winning out against the Blades.
However, Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has had his say on that figure.
Sunderland get £150m windfall for next season, says Wyness
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness claimed £50million of that well-publicised figure will only come in parachute payments if Sunderland are relegated.
The Black Cats finished fourth in the regular season and won the play-offs despite losing each of their last five games.
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Points |
| 1 | Leeds United (C) | 46 | 29 | 13 | 4 | 100 |
| 2 | Burnley (P) | 46 | 28 | 16 | 2 | 100 |
| 3 | Sheffield United | 46 | 28 | 8 | 10 | 90 |
| 4 | Sunderland (P) | 46 | 21 | 13 | 12 | 76 |
| 5 | Coventry | 46 | 20 | 9 | 17 | 69 |
| 6 | Bristol City | 46 | 17 | 17 | 12 | 68 |
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “The number everyone talks about is £200million.
“But don’t forget, around £50million of that is part of the guaranteed parachute payments you would get if you are relegated.
“I don’t really think you should count that.
“But certainly, you’re looking at around £150million once you look at the broadcast deal, the increased sponsorship revenues – it’s around that level.
“It was a fairytale finish but every time I see the play-off final, it brings back horrendous memories of my time at Villa – when we were beaten by Fulham in 2018.”
Bellingham agrees Sunderland exit
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on Wednesday (28 May) that Sunderland star Jobe Bellingham has verbally agreed to join Borussia Dortmund.
The midfielder, 19, is ready to finalise terms with the German giants after helping clinch promotion at the Stadium of Light this term.
Tottenham and Chelsea have shown interest in Bellingham but it is Dortmund who look set to win the race for his signature.
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