Sunderland’s summer recruitment has been relatively quiet thus far, but indications suggest Florent Ghisolfi is now making moves with the top flight resuming shortly.
Regis Le Bris faces a demanding schedule ahead (Image: Getty Images)
The current transfer period was always expected to be less frantic than last year’s comprehensive first-team restructure, yet supporters would have anticipated somewhat greater activity from the hierarchy as they ready themselves for continental competition in 2026/27.
Significant outgoings have occurred at the Stadium of Light during the close season, with Florent Ghisolfi and Tom Burwell overseeing the departure of numerous players who found first-team opportunities limited the previous campaign.
Milan Aleksic has departed on a temporary basis to Partizan, while permanent transfers have been arranged for Leo Hjelde, Harrison Jones, Nazariy Rusyn, Timothee Pembele, Arthur Masuaku, Dan Neil, Dennis Cirkin, Ahmed Abdullahi, Anthony Patterson and Eliezer Mayenda.
Nevertheless, the club has sacrificed considerable squad depth in the process without yet replenishing it. Thomas Meunier represents the sole addition on Wearside this summer, arriving as a free transfer following his departure from Lille.
And while Dayann Methalie appears set to be confirmed after a £25.6million agreement with Toulouse, it is evident that other areas require strengthening.
Nonetheless, supporters need not be concerned about a shortage of incoming business, as things appear poised to shift imminently.
Here, Chronicle Live examines the latest transfer developments and speculation surrounding the Black Cats…
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Sunderland advised to improve offer for Sporting CP wide player
A report from A Bola indicates that Sunderland may need to increase their efforts in pursuit of Sporting CP wide man Geny Catamo.
It is believed the Black Cats have lodged an opening bid for Catamo in the region of £34m this summer, seeking additional threat from the flanks.
The 25-year-old Mozambique international is understood to have a £52m buyout clause in his existing deal, which runs until 2028, and consequently, Sunderland are being encouraged to move closer to that figure to attract Sporting’s attention.
Chronicle Live reporter Aaron Morris says: While Sporting are fully entitled to request whatever they wish for Catamo this summer, there must surely be a point where Sunderland disengage and explore alternatives. The right-sided attacker managed just six goals and four assists from 29 top-flight Portuguese appearances last term, hardly remarkable statistics.
Geny Catamo has been linked with a move to Sunderland(Image: Getty Images)
Then there is the consideration that Catamo has never featured in the Premier League, and the English top tier has a history of exposing players transitioning from the Primeira Liga. Viktor Gyokeres, for instance, netted 39 times for Sporting only two seasons back, yet could manage only 14 in the Prem for Arsenal during 2025/26.
For £52m, one would anticipate a player guaranteed to make an immediate impact, and all factors considered, it represents a considerable gamble for Sunderland to stake everything on Catamo at that valuation.
It may seem ambitious, but Sunderland might be better placed to invest a touch more and genuinely pursue bringing Manchester United’s Amad Diallo back to the Stadium of Light, given his established bond with the club following a highly productive loan stint in 2022/23.
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Two further signings all but confirmed
According to the I, Sunderland possess an £80m fund to secure an additional three or four acquisitions for the upcoming season, although that figure excludes the £25.6m allocated for Methalie.
A winger capable of operating on either flank is anticipated to arrive at the Stadium of Light before next month’s transfer cutoff, with Sunderland seeking greater creativity in the attacking third.
While Enzo Le Fee performed effectively from the wing for the Black Cats last season, he is better suited to the space behind Brian Brobbey. And while Chemsdine Talbi demonstrated glimpses of quality, he endured a largely inconsistent first campaign on Wearside.
Whether an ambidextrous wide player arrives in the form of Catamo, Ernest Poku, Mathias Soule or someone else entirely remains to be seen. And if last summer’s overhaul serves as any indication, the latter appears most probable.
The club are also seeking another pure centre-forward to complement Brobbey and Wilson Isidor, following Mayenda’s £21.5m transfer to Rennes.
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No concrete targets have yet emerged for the Red and White Army, and it will be intriguing to observe whom the club are pursuing as the window draws to a close.
Chronicle Live reporter Aaron Morris says: It is evident that several positions lack sufficient cover, despite Sunderland being less than a week from their Premier League opener against Ipswich Town.
While Methalie’s arrival will address one of those areas, it is clear that an additional striker, winger and central midfielder would prove welcome ahead of the September 1 cutoff.
Mayenda still requires replacement, and it will be essential for Sunderland to recruit another out-and-out centre-forward should they aim to utilise two forwards this coming season, given Brobbey and Isidor cannot reasonably be expected to feature week in, week out across the Premier League, Europa League and cup competitions.
The same applies to Granit Xhaka, who at 33 showed signs of fatigue toward the latter stages of last season – hence the requirement for a similar player to share duties with the club captain to avoid exhaustion and possible injury.
I am less worried about the wing positions, given Nilson Angulo has appeared extremely composed during pre-season, and I remain confident that there is a player within Talbi if he can find consistency.
Sunderland also have the likes of Jocelin Ta Bi and Romaine Mundle awaiting their opportunity, the latter more than capable of surpassing his current limitations if he can remain injury-free.