TRANSFER RUMOUR ROUNDUP

As the 26/27 season approaches, and European football is on the cards for Sunderland, SAFC sporting director Florent Ghisolfi has a job on his hands. With the Stadium of Light preparing for continental fixtures under European lights, this summer’s transfer window could prove to be pivotal for the Black Cats. Here is the latest on any potential arrivals and how Sunderland are shaping up for the fixture dense season ahead.

MATÍAS SOULÉ

One of the most eye-catching rumours of the summer transfer window so far is the prospect of Matías Soulé arriving on Wearside. The highly rated Argentine winger’s stocks have risen greatly after an outstanding season, with him scoring seven times and achieving seven assists in all competitions for Italian giants Roma. The 23-year old’s ball-carrying and ability to create chances would greatly help Regis Le Bris’ side against low block teams that we are sure to face in the future. However, his breakout season has put him firmly on the radar of other Premier League clubs such as Fulham and AFC Bournemouth. It has been reported that the player’s agent has recently travelled to England to discuss a potential move to Fulham or Sunderland. Despite the fierce competition, the existing relationship with Florent Ghisolfi and the player due to their history at AS Roma, on top of Sunderland’s Europa League status may be enough for the forward to favour a move to Wearside.

TARIK MUHAREMOVIĆ

Another name that has recently emerged as a potential signing for The Lads is Bosnian international, Tarik Muharemović. At just 23 years of age, the Sassuolo centre back has drawn the attention of several Premier League rivals including Bournemouth and Leeds after his breakout season in the Serie A where his athleticism and ball-carrying ability from defence has made him stand out. He is a defensive unit who is capable of handling the ball under pressure, and he possesses a great passing range: making his profile suit Le Bris’ tactical system to a tee. With his topflight experience in the Serie A, and Sunderland preparing for their first spell in Europe since 1973, Muharemović would be exactly the type of signing that Sunderland needs to strengthen their depth and offer long-term potential at left-sided centre back.

MATÍAS GALARZA

Amid the opening of the summer transfer window, Paraguayan international Matías Galarza has emerged as an intriguing link to bolster Sunderland’s squad ahead of the 26/27 season. Galaraza’s versatility is one of the most attractive features of the player, which as a result has landed him on other club’s shortlists. The current River Plate midfielder’s strengths lie heavily in his calmness under pressure. His ability to play as both a deep-lying midfielder and in a more advanced midfield role make him a suitable potential summer signing for Sunderland. At 24 years old with over 150 appearances at senior level and reportedly having a price tag of approximately £5m, the Paraguayan could prove to be a cost efficient, depth option with good experience for Regis Le Bris’ side.