Sunderland not looking past Ipswich test ahead of European adventure

Sunderland will compete in the Europa League this season, but their focus is currently on their Premier League opener at Ipswich Town.

Sunderland defender Trai Hume insists they are not distracted by their European campaign ahead of their Premier League opener against Ipswich Town. The Black Cats finished seventh in their first season back in the top flight last term, securing a place in the 2026-27 Europa League. It will be Sunderland's first time competing in Europe since the 1973-74 Cup Winners' Cup, and the league phase draw is set to take place on August 28.

"Pre-season has been good," Hume told the club website. "There has been a lot of travelling - going over to America and France - but we have to get used to that this season with us being in Europe. We will be travelling and playing games straight after, so we have to always be ready. We are focused on the next game now, and that’s Ipswich. We will take each game as it comes this season. The last two games have given us a taste of what we could face in Europe this year, but it’s all about preparing for next weekend at Ipswich."

Ipswich have been busy in the transfer market ahead of their Premier League return, bringing in the likes of Sasa Lukic, Daizen Maeda and Julio Enciso.