Transfer news: Sunderland star targeted by 'another club of greater renown' ahead of summer window

Sunderland defender Omar Alderete has emerged as a prospective transfer target for a high profile suitor, according to speculative reports in his native Paraguay.

The centre-back has arguably been one of the success stories of the Black Cats’ season so far, having arrived from Getafe for a relatively modest fee in the wake of the North East club’s promotion back to the Premier League last year.

Since then, he has established himself as a key member of Regis Le Bris’ defensive line, forming an impressive partnership alongside Dan Ballard, and contributing one goal and one assist across 24 top flight outings.

But it would appear that his performances have not only caught the eye on Wearside, but further afield too. According to journalist Chris Pérez, as cited by South American outlet Versus, Alderete is currently on the radar of “another club of greater renown” than Sunderland, and while the report stops short of naming the interested party, it is suggested that any approach would be made after this summer’s upcoming World Cup, where the 29-year-old is expected to star for Paraguay.

To that end, it is also stated that no official bid has been submitted, nor have any talks been initiated at the time of writing, but Alderete’s recent performances against the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool have been referenced as markers for the level of quality that he has shown on Wearside this season. In particular, his display in January’s 0-0 draw against City at the Stadium of Light drew praise, with claims that he put Erling Haaland “in his pocket”.

Taking those showings into account, the Paraguayan media are of the belief that it is time for Alderete to make a “big leap” in his career, and that a stellar showing at the World Cup could accelerate a move away from the Stadium of Light.

It is worth emphasising, however, that the player is under contract with Sunderland until 2029, and that, even by the usual standards of transfer chatter, this latest update chimes as being particularly speculative - especially given the lack of specifics, or indeed, a named suitor.

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What else has been said about Omar Alderete’s move to Sunderland?

Certainly, this is not the first time that international sources have hinted that Alderete should be playing for a more illustrious club than Sunderland. Shortly after his arrival on Wearside, Getafe president Angel Torres openly fumed against the harsh La Liga registration regulations that he felt forced him into the sale of one his most prized assets.

He said: “I sold one of the best centre-backs in the league for peanuts so I could have 16 or 17 players registered. There are two leagues here: one for the top five and another for the rest of us, where we just rely on our youth academy.”

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