Sunderland have left things late, but their business is finally picking up. Ahead of their European tour, the Black Cats are set to welcome new midfield star Jules Ahoka, before potentially smashing their transfer record.
The addition of Ahoka comes just in time for the new Premier League campaign, with the young defensive midfielder set to play his part at the Stadium of Light this season.
At 20 years old, Ahoka follows a long list of young players to arrive on Wearside. It’s a transfer strategy which paid off for the Black Cats last season, with the likes of Noah Sadiki often stealing the headlines.
Whether the Royal Antwerp man receives the same opportunities is now the big question. Having just entered senior football in the previous campaign, the 20-year-old is someone who may need time to settle.
Ahoka may not be the last to arrive on Wearside this month, either. Geny Catamo is certainly someone on Sunderland’s radar and even if Sporting CP are remaining firm on their sale stance, it’s clear that the Black Cats want an attacking boost.
If it’s not Catamo, then it could be another high-profile option in the form of Matias Soule. The AS Roma man is back on Sunderland’s radar and, this time, could be on his way to the club before deadline day arrives.
Sunderland now in talks to sign Matias Soule
According to VoceGiallorossa in Italy, as relayed by Sport Witness, Sunderland are now in talks to sign Soule from Roma. The Premier League side have launched exploratory contact at a time when Roma are considering a sale and when the attacker’s agent is also looking for an exit route.
Soule was involved in 15 goals in all competitions last season, but that has added little security to his future. His agent now believes he won’t receive his desired game-time under Gian Piero Gasperini and is desperately looking to seal a move away from the Italian club for his client.
Whilst that could leave Sunderland to take full advantage, the deal won’t exactly come cheap. In fact, Roma have reportedly set their asking price at a hefty €40m (£34m), which would break Sunderland’s current transfer record.
|
Sunderland’s biggest signings |
Fee (add ons included) |
Signed From |
Year |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Habib Diarra |
£27m |
Strasbourg |
2025 |
|
Simon Adingra |
£21m |
Brighton |
2025 |
|
Enzo Le Fee |
£19.3m |
AS Roma |
2025 |
|
Chemsdine Talbi |
£18m |
Club Brugge |
2025 |
|
Brian Brobbey |
£17.3m |
Ajax |
2025 |
Whether the Black Cats are willing to meet Roma’s asking price to break their record this late in the window remains to be seen. Soule would certainly be an impressive addition, though, especially if Catamo fails to arrive.
With Ahoka already on his way, Soule could be next to join Sunderland as they look to complete their late spending.