Sunderland will enter the new campaign with a new kind of excitement. Regis Le Bris' side will head over the Channel to compete in the Europa League, all the while looking to press for a top-end finish in the Premier League once again.

But the hierarchy have a huge task on their hands. Last year's success does not facilitate further riches next year. If anything, the Black Cats' task will be harder, now that they have to juggle domestic and European endeavours.

But there is a lot to be excited about, even as Le Bris ran the gauntlet at times last season, his stewardship even called into question as Sunderland toiled through spring.

There's no question that a few tweaks are needed, though, especially in regard to Sunderland's creative returns.

How Sunderland can fix their creative problems

Let's not beat around the bush: Sunderland were one of the least effective playmakers in the Premier League last season, and that needs fixing if they are to avoid 'second-season syndrome'.

Last summer's sweeping transfer business on Wearside received universal praise, but there's a case to be made that Sunderland failed in their club-record £30m move to sign Habib Diarra, who left a lot to be desired last year.

However, the likes of prodigy Chris Rigg and Enzo Le Fee have shone through. Le Fee, in particular, played a significant part, posting five goals and supplying six assists across the Premier League campaign. He also created 13 big chances, winning 4.4 duels per game to strengthen the wider security of Le Bris' side.

Le Fee, 26, has settled in the Premier League, but it goes to show that Sunderland need a lot more in attack, for they have struggled even with Le Fee pulling the strings.

Why Sunderland are in talks to sign their next Le Fee

It should go without saying that Sunderland face a new batch of challenges next year, competing in Europe while avoiding a slip-up in the Premier League that will drag them down to relegation territory.

Le Fee will be crucial, but Sunderland need to try and recapture that profile, adding more vim and vigour to the structure and style of their attacking midfield.

According to TEAMtalk, Sunderland have opened talks with Roma over a £30m transfer for Matias Soule, with the highly-rated Argentina international considering his future in Italy.

It's an ambitious attempt, and no mistake. But Sunderland are right to show some ambition after qualifying for Europe, and Soule has the potential to be a real star, with Sunderland even making him their top target this summer.

Soule is still only 23 years old, but he has already built up a wealth of experience with Juventus and now Roma in Serie A, featuring 111 times in the Italian top flight, scoring 23 goals and providing 13 assists.

Roma secured passage into the Champions League for the first time since 2017/18, and the South American played his part, so fleet-footed and unpredictable on the ball, running down the wing or cutting inside and creating from central areas.

Hailed for his "special" talent on the ball by journalist Zach Lowy, Soule hasn't quite cemented himself as a superstar in Italy, but his dynamic and versatile approach to attacking, combined with an innate ability to dazzle on the ball,

He is not the finished product, but there is a sense that Soule could explode over the coming years, and in that, he could emulate Le Fee at the Stadium of Light, becoming a mainstay for a Sunderland side who need his creativity and his flair on the ball.