Sunderland are actively investigating the possibility of securing a last‑minute deal for Manchester City winger Jack Grealish. The Black Cats have expressed a strong interest in arranging a loan move for the 30‑year‑old, who is now entering the final year of his contract with City.
While a temporary loan is at the forefront of their plans, the club is also weighing the option of a permanent transfer should the circumstances prove favorable, as they aim to bolster their options on the flanks. The interest in Grealish comes as part of a broader recruitment drive that also sees Sunderland targeting Brazilian forward Igor Paixao from Marseille. Grealish, who spent the previous season on loan at Everton, remains on the radar of the Toffees, but Sunderland believe they can present a compelling case for his services, especially given the winger's desire for regular first‑team football.
Grealish’s recent involvement with Manchester City has been limited. He featured as a substitute in the club’s Community Shield loss to Arsenal and made a brief appearance in City’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth. The scarcity of playing time has prompted speculation that a move away could benefit both player and club. Manchester City’s own squad dynamics have been reshaped this summer.
The club have agreed to sell Savio and Omar Marmoush to Tottenham Hotspur; Savio’s transfer is now complete, while Marmoush’s paperwork is still being processed. These departures have left City with a thinner selection of wide‑forward options, a situation further aggravated by a short‑term calf injury to Jeremy Doku, who is expected to be sidelined for two to three weeks. To plug the gap, City are preparing to sign 22‑year‑old Brazilian forward Allan from Palmeiras, though his move has yet to be finalised. Additionally, the club have shown interest in Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo as a possible reinforcement.
At present, Enzo Maresca’s side rely heavily on Antoine Semenyo and Jack Grealish as their only senior, natural wide‑players. While Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki have been deployed on the wings on occasion, they are more frequently used in central roles.
Sunderland’s pursuit of Igor Paixao adds another layer to their summer agenda. Regís Le Bris’s team have lodged a bid for the Brazilian striker earlier this week, following a failed attempt by Leeds United last summer when Paixao ultimately chose Marseille. The French club is eager to raise funds, and Sunderland have placed a winger at the top of their priority list, making Paixao a logical target. Beyond Grealish and Paixao, Sunderland have been in prolonged negotiations with Sporting Lisbon over Mozambique winger Geny Catamo, whose release clause stands at £51.4m.
The club’s scouting network has also identified a number of other potential signings across Europe, ranging from established internationals to promising youngsters and free agents. Some of the names that have surfaced include: - Dayann Methalie (Toulouse) – £25.7m - Jules Ahoka (Royal Antwerp) – £8m - Thomas Meunier (Lille) – free - Ethan Berry (Crystal Palace) – free - Adam Nelson (Glentoran) – free - Eleizer Mayenda (Rennes) – £22m - Anthony Patterson (Wrexham) – £10m - Ahmed Abdullahi (Eyupspor) – undisclosed - Harrison Jones (Peterborough) – undisclosed - Zak Johnson (York) – undisclosed - Nazariy Rusyn (Karpaty Lviv) – undisclosed - Timothée Pembele (Le Havre) – undisclosed - Dennis Cirkin (QPR) – free - Oliver Bainbridge (Boreham Wood) – free - Tom Lavery (Gateshead) – free - Dan Neil (Rangers) – free - Rhys Walsh (Glentoran) – free - Milan Aleksic (Partizan Belgrade) – loan - Matty Young (Huddersfield) – loan - Bertrand Traoré – released - Niall Huggins – released These potential acquisitions illustrate Sunderland’s ambition to reinforce multiple areas of the squad while also managing financial prudence through free transfers and loan deals. The club’s strategy appears to balance immediate needs—such as adding pace and creativity on the wings—with longer‑term planning, as they aim to assemble a balanced roster capable of competing in the Championship. If the loan or permanent deal for Grealish materialises, Sunderland would gain a player with Premier League experience, technical skill, and a proven ability to influence games from wide positions.
Grealish’s versatility—capable of operating on either flank or cutting inside—could provide Enzo Maresca with tactical flexibility, especially as the team looks to adopt a more attacking brand of football. Moreover, securing Grealish could have a positive ripple effect on Sunderland’s broader transfer targets. Demonstrating ambition by attracting a high‑profile name may make other players, such as Paixao or Catamo, more inclined to join a club that signals its intent to compete at the top of the league.
In summary, Sunderland are juggling several concurrent negotiations: a potential late‑season loan or permanent signing of Jack Grealish, a bid for Igor Paixao, and ongoing talks for Geny Catamo, among other listed prospects. The club’s priority remains strengthening its wide areas, and the acquisition of a player of Grealish’s calibre would represent a significant statement of intent as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.