On 6 August 2015, M'Vila joined English Premier League side Sunderland on a season-long loan with a view to being made a permanent deal.
He made his first appearance for the club in an under-21 match against Norwich City, but was sent off after 69 minutes for a head-butt on Jamar Loza.
On 29 August 2015, M'Vila scored his first Sunderland goal, a long range free-kick against Aston Villa.
On 25 October 2015, M'Vila was named the Premier League man of the match in Sunderland's 3–0 home victory over Newcastle United in the Tyne-Wear derby.
He subsequently described the atmosphere of the match as the best he had played in, eclipsing that of the Milan Derby.
After another man of the match performance in a 3–1 defeat at Arsenal on 5 December 2015, M'Vila was praised by teammate Ola Toivonen, who described him as "a top European player.
As he plays more games he's going to show that he's the top player we know he is".

In February 2016, M'Vila expressed his desire to stay at Sunderland on a permanent basis, provided the Black Cats avoided relegation.
He also hoped to reach an agreement with Rubin Kazan to terminate his contract, which was running until December 2016.
M'Vila ultimately finished the season with 37 league appearances for Sunderland, as they ultimately secured survival with a 3–0 home victory over Everton on 11 May 2016.
Manager Sam Allardyce confirmed both club and player were keen to make the move permanent.

On 1 September 2016, M'Vila took his frustrations to Instagram after the club rejected to sign the player by not picking up the phone.
M'Vila was a fan favourite during his time in the North East which caused a massive angering response to Sunderland club owner Ellis Short.
On 6 August 2015, M'Vila joined English Premier League side Sunderland on a season-long loan with a view to being made a permanent deal. He made his first appearance for the club in an under-21 match against Norwich City, but was sent off after 69 minutes for a head-butt on Jamar Loza. On 29 August 2015, M'Vila scored his first Sunderland goal, a long range free-kick against Aston Villa. On 25 October 2015, M'Vila was named the Premier League man of the match in Sunderland's 3–0 home victory over Newcastle United in the Tyne-Wear derby. He subsequently described the atmosphere of the match as the best he had played in, eclipsing that of the Milan Derby. After another man of the match performance in a 3–1 defeat at Arsenal on 5 December 2015, M'Vila was praised by teammate Ola Toivonen, who described him as "a top European player. As he plays more games he's going to show that he's the top player we know he is".
In February 2016, M'Vila expressed his desire to stay at Sunderland on a permanent basis, provided the Black Cats avoided relegation. He also hoped to reach an agreement with Rubin Kazan to terminate his contract, which was running until December 2016. M'Vila ultimately finished the season with 37 league appearances for Sunderland, as they ultimately secured survival with a 3–0 home victory over Everton on 11 May 2016. Manager Sam Allardyce confirmed both club and player were keen to make the move permanent.
On 1 September 2016, M'Vila took his frustrations to Instagram after the club rejected to sign the player by not picking up the phone. M'Vila was a fan favourite during his time in the North East which caused a massive angering response to Sunderland club owner Ellis Short.
Yann M'Vila