Sunderland continue to make progress in the market and could now move closer to bringing a star who is following in the footsteps of Lucas Bergvall to the Stadium of Light, according to a report.
Sunderland close in on statement Granit Xhaka deal
The Black Cats have wasted absolutely no time on transfers as they prepare for a return to the Premier League, bringing no fewer than six new bodies to help Regis Le Bris in his survival mission.
Now, Sunderland are set to wrap up a deal to sign Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen for a starting fee of £13 million, topped off by around £4.3 million paid in add-ons.
Signing a three-year contract at the Stadium of Light, the Switzerland international agreed personal terms last week and is now set for a medical.
Taking their pursuit of firepower to new heights, Sunderland are reported to have submitted an offer for free agent Jamie Vardy after he left Leicester City at the end of last term under freedom of contract.
Making a frank admission, Le Bris has admitted the Black Cats are also still in the market for a goalkeeper after missing out on Marcin Bulka, as he stated: “I think we probably still need to sign a goalkeeper. The market is still open, although the market is unpredictable and it is always like that.
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“At the minute, we are focused on the squad we have – that is always the case, but obviously we will also be trying to reinforce the squad. We don’t know when, and we don’t know how exactly, but we are working hard behind the scenes.”
Continuing their aggressive pursuit of incomings, Sunderland could now be set to enter the race for a talented midfielder, per recent developments.
Sunderland eyeing move for Matias Siltanen
According to On The Minute, Sunderland are interested in signing Djurgarden midfielder Matias Siltanen, who is also said to be on the radar of Leicester City, Bournemouth, Manchester City, Rennes, PAOK and Bundesliga sides.
Making his debut at only 15 years of age, the 18-year-old is valued at around £2.59 million and could follow Lucas Bergvall’s footsteps by making the jump from Djurgarden to the Premier League.
Matias Siltanen in 2024/25 – all competitions
Appearances
23
Goals
0
Assists
1
Operating primarily as a defensive midfielder, Siltanen has won 82 duels and made 88 recoveries in Sweden’s top-flight. Meanwhile, he also racked up 27 successful tackles.
Currently a Finland Under-19 international, he has already helped former outfit KuPS to a league and cup double before crossing the Swedish border in January.
While Siltanen would likely be one for the future, taking a futuristic approach is never a bad thing from a Sunderland perspective, especially given the Kuopio-born man can play in various engine room roles.
Nevertheless, competition for his signature is fierce, emphasising that there is work to be done before any move to the Stadium of Light can officially materialise.