Speakman has overseen an eye-catching window so far, with five new recruits already through the door and Brighton winger Simon Adingra to become the sixth.
And it’s not just on the pitch where Sunderland have upgraded, with Florent Ghisolfi – who was wanted by several major European clubs this summer – arriving as director of football.
Regis Le Bris has strengthened his backroom team with three new arrivals, and Sunderland have also invested heavily into the training ground and Stadium of Light ahead of the big kick-off.
“First of all we’re scaling up in several areas across the club, which is really important for us to be Premier League ready and have that sustainable model in the Premier League,” said sporting director Speakman in an interview with the club.
“The executive function is no different. I’m really excited to have Flo [Ghisolfi] on board. It really enhances our capability and our ability to make good decisions in the transfer market and with our performance. I’m really looking forward to working with him.”
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Chemsdine Talbi’s arrival was confirmed on Wednesday, following Enzo Le Fee, Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki and Reinildo, with the signing of Adingra set to take Sunderland spending through the £100m barrier.
“We wanted to be decisive,” said Speakman of Sunderland’s transfer work.
“We had a short space of time between the play-off final and players returning. Then there’s a short space of time before the games start.
“To give us the best chance of being competitive, we wanted to get the group organised early and we’re delighted to get the boys through the door.”
Sunderland’s players returned for the start of pre-season at the end of last week and will kick-start their summer campaign with games against Gateshead and South Shields on Saturday.
“The opening games are really nice,” said Speakman.
“It’s a fairly low key occasion for the players in terms of getting minutes in their legs. But to get the players back out in the community, local games against local opposition is really important and I’m sure the fans are buzzing to get back watching the team.
“It’s probably felt too long for them since the final and from that moment it will pick up real momentum as we go through pre-season to the first Premier League game.
“There’s always a special buzz when you come back for the first week.
“For the club to be back in the Premier League and everyone to have that feeling that we’re so close to Premier League games, it’s really exciting for everybody.”