Sunderland's sporting director Florent Ghisolfi has emphasised that stability is the primary objective as the club reshapes its squad ahead of a season that includes European football.
The Black Cats secured qualification for the Europa League group stages on the final day of the previous campaign, guaranteeing at least eight additional matches next term. This number could increase with progression to the knockout stages, placing greater physical demands on the squad due to overseas travel and more midweek fixtures.
Speaking for the first time this off-season, Ghisolfi stated he does not anticipate a summer transfer window as frantic as last year's, when significant improvements were necessary to prepare the team for the Premier League.
"The most important thing will be to keep our foundations," Ghisolfi told BBC Sport Tyne & Wear. "Our foundations are the mentality, the cohesion, and the energy we have in the team with the environment we've built."
He added: "Last summer was strange; it was a rush because we needed to improve the team's quality and increase the number of players. This summer, we will focus on stability. Of course, we need to increase the quality again, but it will be lower volume and more precision. The most important thing is the quality and mentality of the team because they will have to be ready to face these challenges."
Ghisolfi stressed that the club wants a squad that embraces the European challenge rather than fearing it. "We don't want to have a squad that fears this challenge because it is another chance for the team to grow, but also the club as a whole," he said.
Unlike last summer, Sunderland aims to avoid excessive personnel changes, even with a more demanding schedule. The club's leading figures are not setting hard targets, given how they defied expectations as a newly promoted team last season.
"We don't have a target for this season," Ghisolfi stated. "We didn't have a target for the last one. We'll do our best and go with no fear. We respect everyone because we're competing in the best league in the world, and now also the Europa League, with a lot of great teams."
The club's European status makes them a more attractive destination for players, but it could also drive up asking prices as representatives may assume an improved budget. Ghisolfi indicated the focus is on improving the top end of the squad rather than adding numerous squad players who do not enhance the starting eleven.
"I believe in stability," he added. "But it is also important to refresh in some areas of the club after some time, and one day it will be me; this is not the problem. The most important thing is that the club becomes a strong organisation with the right people in the right places."
Ghisolfi also highlighted the connection with supporters as crucial. "I'm very proud to feel this connection because it brings energy into the club, so I think this is the most important thing to protect for the future," he said.
On recruitment, he concluded: "We don't mind if a player is from Belgium, France, Paraguay, or Switzerland; the most important thing is their personality and whether they are a fit for Sunderland's squad today."
