Sporting Director Speakman exits Sunderland after five years

Speakman was appointed Sporting Director in December 2020, having previously been Academy Manager at Birmingham City. During his tenure, Sunderland have risen from League One to the Premier League.

Sunderland said Speakman had “led a comprehensive rebuild of the club’s football operations, reshaping its recruitment and performance infrastructure and restoring competitive momentum.”

However, when Frenchman Florent Ghisolfi was appointed Director of Football in July 2025, he took control of all football operations at the club, putting Speakman’s future in doubt.

Sunderland said: “With Premier League status restored and a strengthened football leadership structure in place, the Board of Directors has made the decision to continue the club’s journey without Kristjaan.

“Florent Ghisolfi will continue to lead Sunderland’s sporting programme after assuming control of all football operations in July 2025.”

Chairman and majority shareholder Kyril Louis-Dreyfus added: “Kristjaan has made an important contribution to Sunderland AFC during a period of significant transition and growth, helping to rebuild the club and restore its place in the Premier League.

“Strong foundations have been established throughout our football operations over the past five years, and that phase of redevelopment is now complete. As we look to the future, our focus is on building from that position of strength with clarity of direction and sustained progress.

“We are grateful for Kristjaan’s commitment and professionalism and wish him every success for the future.”

Speakman had welcomed Ghisolfi’s arrival last July, saying the Frenchman “enhances our capabilities and our ability to make good decisions in the transfer market and around performance.”

Ghisolfi had previously been Sporting Director at AS Roma, RC Lens and OCG Nice, as well as a player for 11 years and Assistant Manager at Lorient for two years. It was at Lorient that he got to know current Sunderland Manager Régis Le Bris, who was reserve team boss at the club at the time.