Sunderland are actively investigating the possibility of securing Manchester City winger Jack Grealish in the closing stages of the transfer window. The Black Cats have expressed a strong interest in arranging a loan deal for the 30‑year‑old, whose contract with City is now entering its final year.
While a temporary move is their primary target, the club is also weighing the option of a permanent transfer should the circumstances allow, as they aim to bolster the breadth of their attacking options on the flanks. In parallel with the Grealish pursuit, Sunderland have also placed a bid on Brazilian forward Igor Paixao, currently plying his trade at Olympique de Marseille. Grealish spent the previous campaign on loan at Everton, where he made a noticeable impact and attracted continued interest from the Merseyside side.
Despite his loan spell, City have used him sparingly this season, most notably as a substitute in the Community Shield loss to Arsenal and in the opening Premier League fixture against Bournemouth. The limited game time reflects City’s evolving squad dynamics after the departure of two wide‑forward options, Savio and Omar Marmoush, both of whom have agreed to moves to Tottenham.
Savio’s transfer has already been completed, while Marmoush is in the final stages of his deal. The exits of Savio and Marmoush have left Manchester City with a thin selection of players capable of operating as wide forwards.
The situation has been further complicated by a short‑term calf injury suffered by Jeremy Doku, which is expected to sideline him for two to three weeks. To address the shortage, City have identified 22‑year‑old Brazilian talent Allan, currently at Palmeiras, as a potential replacement for Savio, although his transfer is still pending. In addition, City’s scouting network has shown interest in Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo as another possible addition to the attacking ranks. At present, Sunderland manager Enzo Maresca’s senior wide‑area options are limited to Antoine Semenyo and the prospective signing of Grealish.
While Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki have occasionally been deployed on the wings, they are more frequently used in central roles. Consequently, securing a specialist winger is a clear priority for the Black Cats as they look to add depth and quality to their squad. The pursuit of Igor Paixao remains a significant element of Sunderland’s transfer agenda. Regís Le Bris’s side have demonstrated firm interest in the Brazilian striker, submitting a formal bid earlier in the week.
Paixao had previously been linked with Leeds United last summer, but he ultimately chose to join Marseille. Sunderland’s negotiations continue, with Marseille reportedly needing to raise funds, making the winger an attractive target for the English club.
Beyond Grealish and Paixao, Sunderland have also been in prolonged discussions with Sporting Lisbon regarding Mozambican winger Geny Catamo. The player carries a hefty release clause of £51.4 million at the Portuguese outfit, indicating the level of investment Sunderland might be prepared to make for a player of his caliber.
The transfer window has also seen a flurry of other potential moves involving Sunderland, many of which are listed as free transfers, loans, or undisclosed fees. Notable names include Dayann Methalie from Toulouse (valued at £25.7m), Jules Ahoka from Royal Antwerp (£8m), Thomas Meunier from Lille (free), Ethan Berry from Crystal Palace (free), and Adam Nelson from Glentoran (free). Additional targets feature Eleizer Mayenda from Rennes (£22m), Anthony Patterson from Wrexham (£10m), and a series of players on free or undisclosed terms such as Ahmed Abdullahi, Harrison Jones, Zak Johnson, Nazariy Rusyn, Dennis Cirkin, Oliver Bainbridge, Tom Lavery, Dan Neil, Rhys Walsh, Milan Aleksic (loan from Partizan Belgrade), Matty Young (loan from Huddersfield), Bertrand Traoré (released), and Niall Huggins (released).
These extensive scouting activities underscore Sunderland’s ambition to reshape their squad ahead of the upcoming season, focusing on adding pace, creativity, and depth across the pitch. The club’s strategic emphasis on acquiring a high‑profile winger like Grealish, combined with the pursuit of emerging talents such as Paixao and Catamo, reflects a broader plan to compete more effectively in the Championship and potentially mount a promotion challenge. Fans can stay updated on the latest developments through the Transfer Centre LIVE app, which provides real‑time headlines, Premier League transfer ins and outs, and streaming options for matches. As the deadline approaches, Sunderland’s transfer strategy will likely continue to evolve, balancing immediate needs with long‑term objectives, and the club’s activity in the market remains a focal point for supporters and pundits alike.