We take a look at the potential candidates to be the next Sunderland manager following reports that the club could look to replace Regis Le Bris this summer.
Le Bris guided Sunderland back to the Premier League following their victory over Sheffield United in the 2024/25 Championship play-off final.
Despite being the favourites to be relegated this season, Le Bris has worked wonders on Wearside and the club are just a point off the top-half ahead of their final three fixtures.
The team have not been part of the relegation battle this season but reports have suggested that the club might be willing to make a change this summer, with a view to the club challenging for European football.
Here are our top five contenders to be the next Sunderland manager in the event that the club's hierarchy opt to make a change.
Next Sunderland Manager Contenders
Thomas Frank
Thomas Frank was dismissed by Tottenham Hotspur in February after just eight months at the helm.
Frank's time in North London did not go well, but his seven-year stint as Brentford manager makes him appealing for future roles in the Premier League.
The opportunity to help Sunderland progress to the next level would surely appeal to Frank who will be looking to return to the dugout in the near future.
Marco Silva
The contractual situation at Fulham has shown no signs of being resolved.
Both the club and Marco Silva are in limbo at the moment and the longer it goes on, the more it feels as though Silva could leave Craven Cottage.
Silva would have plenty of suitors following his work in London and it would be quite the coup for Sunderland to lure him to the Stadium of Light.
Kjetil Knutsen
The Norwegian manager has done a sensational job during his eight-year spell as Bodo/Glimt manager.
As well as winning four domestic league titles, Knutsen led Bodo/Glimt to the last four of last season's UEFA Europa League.
He also guided the club into the Last 16 of the UEFA Champions League this season and a number of clubs throughout Europe are believed to be circling.
Marcelino Toral
Marcelino Toral is set to leave La Liga outfit Villarreal at the end of the season.
A number of clubs throughout Europe are on alert following the news and he has already been linked with a move to Crystal Palace.
Marcelino has plenty of experience of managing in European competitions and that experience could be just what the Black Cats are looking for.
Filipe Luis
Ex-Chelsea defender Filipe Luis has been linked with a return to Stamford Bridge following the departure of Liam Rosenior.
However, he also been linked to other clubs in the Premier League and a move to Sunderland would appeal to both parties.
The former Brazil international led Brazilian giants Flamengo to the league title in 2024 before winning the Copa Libertadores at the end of 2025.
