6 European talents Sunderland could target in the summer transfer window
Europe was a productive hunting ground for Sunderland last summer, but who could they target in the next transfer window?
With the 2025/26 Premier League season in its final sprint, Sunderland will already be casting an eye toward the summer transfer market.
The Black Cats are still battling to snag an unexpected European spot, but regardless of whether or not they have continental football next season, they’ll be looking to make the most of the transfer window to build on their superb return to the top flight.
Europe was a productive hunting ground for players last summer, with Sunderland signing the likes of Granit Xhaka, Nordi Mukiele, Robin Roefs and Noah Sadiki from the continent - among others - with each going on to enjoy great success so far. With that in mind, we’ve tasked Google’s AI chatbot, Gemini, with identifying six players currently plying their trade in Europe’s top leagues who Sunderland could target this summer.
European players Sunderland could target this summer
Bradley Locko (Stade Brestois, Ligue 1) – Left-Back
Gemini: With Reinildo Mandava turning 32 and Arthur Masuaku barely registering first-team minutes before being loaned out, Sunderland’s left flank requires future-proofing. Bradley Locko represents the ideal profile to inject vitality into that channel. The French defender has established himself as an elite progressor of the ball in Ligue 1, combining robust one-on-one defensive metrics with a high volume of successful take-ons. Integrating him would allow Sunderland to maintain defensive solidity while dramatically improving their transitional threat. At his age, he offers immediate Premier League readiness while retaining significant resale value, perfectly complementing the younger defensive core already established by the likes of Dan Ballard and Trai Hume.
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Morten Frendrup (Genoa, Serie A) – Box-to-Box Midfielder
Gemini: Granit Xhaka has been a phenomenal midfield compass, but at 33, formulating a succession plan is absolutely essential. Morten Frendrup fits this profile perfectly. The Danish enforcer consistently ranks among Serie A’s elite for successful tackles and ball recoveries at Genoa. Rather than dictating play through intricate passing, Frendrup disrupts opposition structures, serving as an absolute workhorse in the engine room. His relentless pressing would mask Noah Sadiki’s disciplinary vulnerabilities, allowing Sunderland’s more creative outlets to operate with greater freedom. At 25, he offers the ideal blend of top-flight experience and physical prime, making him an outstanding candidate to anchor the midfield.
Hugo Duro (Valencia, La Liga) – Striker
Gemini: A squad aiming for the upper echelons of the league needs strikers who contribute holistically, and Hugo Duro embodies the modern, hard-working centre-forward. While Brian Brobbey provides the physical focal point, Duro brings a relentless pressing engine forged in La Liga. The Spaniard excels at harassing defenders, forcing high turnovers, and making intelligent runs that drag centre-backs out of position. His unselfish movement would open up vital avenues for goal-scoring midfielders like Chemsdine Talbi or Enzo Le Fée. Duro guarantees maximum effort and clinical instinct, perfectly aligning with Regis Le Bris’ high-intensity tactical system while rounding out a highly capable offensive unit.
Patrick Wimmer (VfL Wolfsburg, Bundesliga) – Right Winger
Gemini: With the right flank leaning heavily on the emerging Chris Rigg recently, Sunderland need a dynamic, battle-tested solution. Patrick Wimmer is an ideal fit. The Austria international operates with phenomenal intensity for Wolfsburg, perfectly suited for the physical demands of English football. Wimmer thrives as a hard-working winger who creates high-quality chances while contributing significantly out of possession. His relentless pressing would instantly elevate Sunderland’s wide play, offering brilliant service to Brian Brobbey. At 24, his Bundesliga pedigree makes him a ready-made impact signing. Crucially, with Wolfsburg currently languishing in the relegation zone, Sunderland could negotiate highly favourable financial terms should they drop down to the second tier.
Logan Costa (Villarreal, La Liga) – Centre-Back
Gemini: Looking at Sunderland’s central defence, Dan Ballard and Omar Alderete have formed a highly effective partnership, but a squad serious about upward trajectory must cultivate elite depth. Logan Costa offers a formidable presence to challenge and rotate with the established starters. The Cape Verde international has proven himself at Villarreal, blending immense physical strength with composed ball-playing ability out from the back. Costa thrives in ground duels and possesses excellent aerial dominance, ensuring structural rigidity against top-tier forwards. Bringing in a 25-year-old with substantial La Liga experience not only future-proofs the backline but provides essential tactical flexibility should the manager wish to transition into a robust back-three system.
Sven Mijnans (AZ Alkmaar, Eredivisie) – Attacking Midfielder
Gemini: While Enzo Le Fée has established himself as the undeniable creative heartbeat of this Sunderland side, relying solely on him across a gruelling English campaign is a tremendous risk. Sven Mijnans represents the perfect profile to challenge and rotate with the Frenchman. The 26-year-old has been outstanding for AZ Alkmaar, instrumental in their deep Conference League run and domestic cup triumph this season. Operating as an advanced playmaker, Mijnans blends exceptional vision with an uncanny ability to arrive late into the penalty area, offering a direct goal threat. His tactical intelligence and Eredivisie pedigree mean he can seamlessly deputise in the number ten role or play alongside Le Fée, providing vital depth and elevating the squad's overall attacking versatility.