Sunderland will hope to match the success of their last summer transfer window when the current Premier League season comes to an end.

Sunderland will ramp up their plans for the summer transfer window after Regis Le Bris’ side reached the magical 40-point mark during their win at Leeds United earlier this month.

After being widely tipped for an immediate return to the Championship ahead of the season, an ambitious summer transfer window has laid the foundations for a campaign few outside of Wearside saw coming. Summer signings such as Robin Roefs, Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki and Brian Brobbey have all played a part in helping the Black Cats surpass all expectations and almost certainly secure a second consecutive season in the Premier League.

With the memories of one of the most exciting summers in Sunderland’s recent history, we look forward to what could lie in wait at the end of the season as the Stadium of Light hierarchy aim to further boost their squad in a bid to build on the solid foundations they put in place in preparation for their return to the top flight. Here are seven potential transfer targets that are under the age of 24 and have been catching the eye around Europe during the season.

Luka Vuskovic - Hamburg

The young Croatian defender has only enhanced his reputation throughout a season-long loan spell with the Bundesliga club - and his parent club’s current battle against a surprise relegation from the Premier League could offer an opportunity to any club keen to secure his services. Vuskovic is a Tottenham Hotspur player after officially joining Sunderland’s Premier League rivals last summer before being sent out on loan to Hamburg. Five goals in 24 appearances is an impressive return but WhoScored reference his ‘very strong’ ability in aerial duels and blocking as key reasons why he is rated as the top performing centre back in German football’s top tier this season.

Arnau Martinez - Girona

Arnau Martinez of Girona FC is put under pressure by Ivan Fresneda of Real Valladolid CF during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Valladolid CF and Girona FC at Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla on April 22, 2023 in Valladolid, Spain. | Getty Images

placeholder image — Arnau Martinez of Girona FC is put under pressure by Ivan Fresneda of Real Valladolid CF during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Valladolid CF and Girona FC at Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla on April 22, 2023 in Valladolid, Spain. | Getty Images

The Spain Under-21 full-back will enter the final 12 months of his current deal this summer by which time he should have racked up a double century of appearances for his current employers. A product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, Martinez joined Girona’s youth setup in 2018 and has now firmly established himself as a key figure within their senior side. The versatile defender has been a reliable presence throughout his time in their first team and has been linked with moves to Arsenal and West Ham United in recent seasons.

Tiago Gabriel - Lecce

A highly-rated Portugal Under-21 international currently plying his trade in Serie A, Gabriel came through Sporting CP’s prolific academy setup before earning his first senior experience in the colours of Estrela Amadora. A move to Italy came in January 2025 when the centre-back agreed to join Lecce and he has gone on to make 33 appearances in all competitions. Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have been linked with the 21-year-old over the last 12 months and he will have a decision to make over his future as he enters the final year of his current contract this summer.

Arthur Avom - Lorient

A player from Regis Le Bris’ former club and one that is reportedly on Sunderland’s radar after recent claims the Black Cats had opened ‘direct talks’ over a possible move for the midfielder. Avom is a 12-times capped Cameroon international and is out of contract this summer - although Lorient are believed to have an option to extend his deal by another 12 months. Chelsea are also said to be keen on a move for the midfielder.

Charlie Cresswell - Toulouse

The former Leeds United defender has forged a strong reputation as one of the most consistent centre backs in Ligue 1 since joining Toulouse during the summer of 2024. Still only 23, Cresswell has been linked with a return to England in recent months with West Ham said to be amongst the frontrunners for his services. In total, Cresswell has scored eight goals in 60 appearances for Toulouse and is under contract until the summer of 2028 - but a strong bid this summer could see Cresswell handed a chance to impress in the Premier League.

Noah Atubolu - Freiburg

A new first choice goalkeeper is unlikely to be high on Sunderland’s list of priorities this summer given Robin Roefs’ impressive first season on Wearside. However, the Dutch stopper is believed to have admirers and any sensible club would always piece together a contingency plan. Atubolu is one of the most highly-rated goalkeepers in Germany and is expected to progress into their senior national squad in the near future after impressing at Under-21 level. He has already made over a century of appearances for Freiburg and will enter the final year of his current deal at the end of the season.

Jorthy Mokio - Ajax

If reports are to be believed, Sunderland would have to see off some high profile competition if they were to make a move for Mokio. The 18-year-old midfielder has been mentioned as a possible target for Manchester United, Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the past and has quickly made a name for himself with Ajax after initially making his first senior appearances for Belgian club Gent. Already capped at senior level by Belgium, Mokio has been described as a blend of N’golo Kante and Declan Rice. Like many on the list, he is entering the final year of his contract this summer.

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