The 13 Sunderland transfer deals on Florent Ghisolfi’s deadline-day radar – including £179m incomings
Sunderland could be busy before Tuesday’s deadline, with Florent Ghisolfi weighing up 13 potential deals involving around £179million of incoming talent
Sunderland could have a hectic final stretch of the summer transfer window, with sporting director Florent Ghisolfi attempting to strengthen Régis Le Bris’ squad while also finding solutions for players who could leave the Stadium of Light.
Not every situation below is at the same stage, and the club are highly unlikely to conclude deals for all of these players. Some involve active negotiations, others are alternatives Sunderland have considered, and a handful of the outgoing situations simply need resolving before the window shuts.
IN: Igor Paixao
Paixao is one of Sunderland’s primary targets and negotiations with Marseille have reached a significant stage. Brazilian outlet Globo reports Sunderland have submitted an offer worth up to £34.2million, consisting of around £26.5million guaranteed and another £7.7million in bonuses. The same report says the 26-year-old winger has verbally agreed a five-year contract and wants the move.
OUT: Jocelin Ta Bi
Burnley remain interested in signing Jocelin Ta Bi and his situation looks increasingly likely to be resolved before the deadline. The 21-year-old Ivorian was not included in Sunderland’s squad for the 1-0 win against Fulham on Sunday.
IN: Kevin Danso
Sunderland initially tried to sign Danso on loan, but Tottenham rejected the approach. The situation has since moved on, with talks taking place over a permanent move and talkSPORT reporting that the 27-year-old Austria international has agreed personal terms.
Tottenham paid £20.9million to sign Danso permanently from Lens following an initial loan spell. Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi has since publicly confirmed the centre-back wants to leave, while Ghisolfi previously attempted to sign him during his spell at Roma.
OUT: Alan Browne
Alan Browne is another Sunderland player whose future could become clearer in the closing stages of the window. Competition in midfield is fierce, with Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Enzo Le Fée, Habib Diarra and Chris Rigg all competing for minutes.
IN: Matias Soule
Matias Soule has been on Sunderland’s radar for much of the summer, and TEAMtalk now claims Newcastle United have joined the race for the Roma attacker.
The report says Sunderland approached Roma for the 23-year-old Argentina international in July but could not reach an agreement. Roma have previously been credited with wanting around £30million and Soule has a clear connection to Ghisolfi, who was at the Italian club when he arrived from Juventus.
OUT: Aji Alese
Aji Alese could also leave if Sunderland find a move that gives the defender the regular football he needs. Injuries have badly disrupted the 25-year-old’s progress and the competition for places in Le Bris’ defensive unit is considerable. There is no strong indication at this point that an exit is close or that a particular club has moved to the front of the queue. It is instead one of several squad situations Ghisolfi could look to resolve before the deadline.
IN: Malick Fofana
Lyon winger Malick Fofana has emerged as another externally reported Sunderland option. Sky Sports’ transfer round-up has referenced Sunderland interest in the 21-year-old Belgium international, while reports in France have also linked the Black Cats.
Lyon have previously been credited with valuing Fofana at around £34million. The winger has interest from elsewhere and there is nothing to suggest Sunderland are currently as far down the line with him as they are with Paixao.
OUT: Abdoullah Ba
Abdoullah Ba is another player Sunderland could look to move on before Tuesday. The 23-year-old has no chance of making Le Bris’ first team following the significant investment made in midfield and attacking areas across the last two summers.
IN: Tosin Adarabioyo
Chelsea centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo has also been mentioned during Sunderland’s defensive search. TEAMtalk reported that the Black Cats had made checks on the 28-year-old while continuing their pursuit of Danso.
There has been no convincing asking price reported and this does not appear to have progressed to the same stage as the Tottenham talks. Adarabioyo looks more like evidence that Sunderland have maintained a shortlist of defensive alternatives rather than placing everything on one deal.
OUT: Trey Ogunsuyi
A loan move could be considered for Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi if Sunderland decide consistent senior football would benefit the young striker more than remaining around Le Bris’ first-team squad.
The teenager remains highly rated and his long-term pathway is the key consideration. Sunderland already have Brian Brobbey and Wilson Isidor competing through the middle, while another attacking arrival would create even more competition for minutes.
IN: Geny Catamo
Geny Catamo was a major Sunderland target earlier in the window and remains relevant to the wider winger search. Ghisolfi held talks with Sporting over the 25-year-old Mozambique international, who was keen on a move to Wearside.
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Catamo has a release clause worth just over £51million, although a deal could potentially have been negotiated at around £34million. Sunderland’s attention has since moved strongly towards Paixao, making Catamo more of an alternative than the leading target he was earlier in August.
OUT: Hemir
Hemir is another Sunderland player with an uncertain route to first-team football. The Portuguese striker has spent significant time away from Wearside and remains behind Le Bris’ established senior attacking options.
There is no advanced destination to report, but his name has been among those discussed when assessing possible Sunderland exits. With Isidor recently signing a new contract and Brobbey already competing for the number nine position, another move could suit all parties.
IN: Karl Etta Eyong
Levante forward Karl Etta Eyong is one of the newer names to emerge. The Sun reports Sunderland are exploring a move for the 22-year-old and that personal terms are not expected to present a problem. Eyong has a £26million release clause, although Sunderland are reportedly attempting to negotiate a lower fee. He scored seven La Liga goals last season and would offer Le Bris another option through the middle if the Black Cats decide to add another striker.