Sunderland are reportedly battling arch rivals Newcastle for the signature of a Premier League star who’s refused to rule out joining either one of them instead of Barcelona.
The Black Cats’ first Premier League season in years has been nothing short of remarkable.
Regis Le Bris has built something real at the Stadium of Light — an organised, hard-working side with a clear identity that has punched well above its weight since returning to the top flight.
Sitting 11th in the table with 36 points from 26 games, they’ve well and truly earned their place in this division.
However, the wheels have wobbled a bit recently.
Despite a thumping 3-0 win over Burnley gave the feel-good factor a serious boost, three defeats in their last four league outings — including heavy losses to Arsenal and Liverpool — serves as a reality check.
The margins at this level are paper thin, and Sunderland know it.
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This Sunday’s home clash against Fulham at the Stadium of Light represents a real chance to reset. Marco Silva’s side have been in miserable form of late, losing four of their last six Premier League fixtures and slipping down the table.
On paper, it looks like a winnable game — perhaps a must-win given the difficult run of away fixtures to come at Bournemouth and Leeds.
Sunderland were boosted by Jocelin Ta Bi’s availability after the January signing finally made his debut last weekend, coming off the bench during their 1-0 FA Cup win over Oxford United.
However, Le Bris is still waiting for star man Granit Xhaka to return, and the club will want to ensure the manager’s squad is as reinforced as possible for their second season back in the Premier League next year.
Reports have emerged today claiming Sunderland are among a group of Premier League sides that have registered interest in one of the most sought-after defenders in England.
The player in question is out of contract in the summer, has already told his current club he won’t be extending, and has attracted attention from some of the biggest names in European football.
Sunderland hold talks with Bournemouth star Marco Senesi
That player is Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi.
The 28-year-old Argentine has been a standout performer on the south coast since his arrival from Feyenoord in 2022, and his decision to run down his deal has sparked a full-blown transfer scramble.
Newcastle are believed to be eyeing him, with Sunderland also holding talks with Senesi’s camp ahead of a potential summer move, according to TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey.
While the ex-Eredivisie star is most tempted by Barcelona, a source close to the situation has claimed that Senesi hasn’t ruled out joining any other club yet, including Sunderland.
For Sunderland, a free transfer for a proven Premier League centre-back of Senesi’s quality would be an outstanding piece of business.
The Cherries mainstay has started nearly every league match under Andoni Iraola this season, bar one when he was suspended, and the defender has even notched four assists.
Senesi is also Bournemouth’s best performer this season with over 24 appearances, according to WhoScored, with the South American averaging a brilliant 7.06/10 match rating per 90.
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Sunderland fell to their first home defeat of the Premier League season against champions Liverpool.