Sunderland bet on experience with Franssi loan from Lionesses

Sunderland have secured a season‑long loan for London City Lionesses forward Sanni Franssi, finalising the move on the club’s official website this evening. The Lady Black Cats confirmed the signing, adding the 31‑year‑old attacker to bolster their attack for the upcoming season.

Sunderland pursued Franssi for her veteran pedigree and top‑level experience. She featured in the Barclays Women’s Super League for The Pride last season, making 18 appearances in the 2025/2026 campaign.

The Finnish international joined London City Lionesses from Spanish side Real Sociedad last summer.

Her career includes successful periods in Spain and England, as well as stints in Finland, Switzerland, Italy and Denmark. Franssi has collected league titles with PK‑35 Vantaa, Juventus and Fortuna Hjørring.

Franssi has been capped 101 times by Finland, scoring seven goals for her country. She is only eight caps away from entering Finland’s top‑10 appearance‑holder list.

After completing the move, Franssi said, “I am very excited to sign for Sunderland. I am so excited to get started and see what is to come. It is an ambitious project but one that will be great to be part of. We will take it one step at a time. Everything feels right here.”

The addition marks Sunderland’s fifth signing of the summer transfer window, reinforcing the Lady Black Cats’ push for a stronger campaign. Sunderland hope the veteran forward’s experience will help them compete in the English Women’s Super League.