The 2025 African Cup of Nations, which starts on the 21st against Morocco, could create serious personnel difficulties for Sunderland. According to ESPN, the club has the potential to spend the most players of any team in the English leagues.

With their squads in place, four Sunderland players are guaranteed to win, and three more could win closer to the start of the tournament.

With this, the club risks losing without seven Vikonavians at the busiest period of the season.

Among the other teams, the closest competitors for the number of possible expenses are Wolverhampton, which may be short of five points (three guaranteed, two for meals).

Currently, clubs such as Arsenal, Newcastle, Chelsea and Leeds do not have representatives at all to attend the tournament. Manchester City could potentially delegate two players.

The African Cup of Nations will be held from 21 June 2025 to 18 June 2026.