A Football Manager 27 simulation of Sunderland’s 2026/27 season has delivered a nightmare outcome for Regis Le Bris. After exceeding expectations in their first campaign back in the Premier League, the Black Cats suffered a dramatic downturn.

Sunderland entered the season with plenty of optimism after finishing seventh and qualifying for the Europa League, but balancing domestic and European commitments proved difficult. Sunderland struggled to find the net consistently, and their lack of firepower ultimately played a major part in their relegation.

Football Manager 27 simulation delivers nightmare season for Sunderland

Sunderland finished 19th in the Premier League with just 33 points, 21 fewer than the previous season when they secured a remarkable seventh-place finish. They won only eight of their 38 matches, drew nine and lost 21, while scoring 37 goals and conceding 63.

The Black Cats finished seven points behind Leeds United, who stayed up with 40 points, and were relegated alongside Hull City and Fulham. Their biggest problem was their away form, with just two victories on the road all season. Back-to-back wins over Manchester United and Brentford in March offered some hope, but those results were rare highlights in an otherwise miserable campaign.

Sunderland’s struggles in front of goal were a major factor in their disappointing campaign. Brian Brobbey finished as their top scorer with just 12 goals in all competitions, while Enzo Le Fee managed nine and Trai Hume scored seven. Meanwhile, Granit Xhaka provided an important creative influence with 10 assists.

Xhaka, Chris Rigg and Noah Sadiki were among Sunderland’s standout performers, but there were problems elsewhere in the squad. Thomas Meunier missed most of the season with torn knee ligaments, while Wilson Isidor also struggled to make an impact. Of the summer arrivals, Kevin Danso and Jules Ahoka were the most impressive.

There was at least some encouragement in Europe, with Sunderland finishing 10th in the Europa League league phase after collecting 16 points from eight matches. They won five games but narrowly missed out on a place in the top eight, finishing level on points with Juventus but behind the Italian side on goal difference.

Their hopes of progressing through the knockout play-offs ended in heartbreaking fashion against Czech side Viktoria Plzen. Sunderland won the first leg 1-0 away from home but suffered an identical defeat at the Stadium of Light before losing 6-5 on penalties. Reinildo was the unfortunate player to miss the decisive spot-kick, while AC Milan eventually beat Juventus in the final.

Sunderland also struggled in the domestic cups, losing to Tottenham in the third round of the FA Cup and Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. Despite the relegation disappointment, Regis Le Bris surprisingly kept his job in the simulation.