Sunderland are actively investigating a possible last‑minute deal for Manchester City winger Jack Grealish, a 30‑year‑old who is now entering the final year of his contract with the Sky Blues. The Black Cats have expressed a strong preference for securing the player on a loan basis, but they are also keeping the option of a permanent transfer on the table as they look to bolster their options on the flanks.
The club’s scouting department has been monitoring Grealish closely ever since he spent the previous season on loan at Everton, where he impressed with his ability to drift wide, cut inside and create chances for teammates. Everton remain interested in bringing the English international back, but Sunderland believe they can offer the player regular first‑team football and a key role in their push for promotion.
Grealish’s recent involvement with Manchester City has been limited. He featured as a substitute in City’s Community Shield loss to Arsenal and again came off the bench in the Premier League opener against Bournemouth. Those brief appearances have underscored the fact that City’s wide‑forward department is currently thin. The club has already sold Savio and Omar Marmoush to Tottenham – Savio’s move is complete, while Marmoush’s transfer is still being finalised – leaving a noticeable gap on the wings.
Adding to the shortage, Jeremy Doku has suffered a short‑term calf injury that is expected to keep him out of action for two to three weeks. In response, City have moved quickly to sign 22‑year‑old Brazilian forward Allan from Palmeiras, but that deal has yet to be sealed. They are also reportedly eyeing Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo as a possible addition to the attacking line‑up.
At present, Sunderland manager Enzo Maresca’s only senior, natural wide‑players are Antoine Semenyo and the potential signing of Grealish. While Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki have been deployed on the wings on occasion, both are primarily used in more central roles, which further limits City’s depth in that area. In addition to Grealish, Sunderland are also pursuing a move for Brazilian striker Igor Paixao, who currently plies his trade at Marseille. Regís Le Bris’s side have shown firm interest and submitted a bid for the forward earlier this week.
The player was previously linked with Leeds United last summer, but he ultimately chose to join Marseille. Sunderland hope that a successful transfer for Paixao will provide a much‑needed boost to their attacking options, especially as Marseille are looking to raise funds. The Black Cats have also been in prolonged negotiations with Sporting Lisbon regarding Mozambique winger Geny Catamo.
Catamo’s release clause stands at a hefty £51.4m, indicating Sunderland would need to secure significant backing to meet that figure. Beyond the headline targets, Sunderland’s scouting network has compiled an extensive list of potential signings across various leagues and price points. Some of the names include: - Dayann Methalie from Toulouse (£25.7m) - Jules Ahoka from Royal Antwerp (£8m) - Thomas Meunier from Lille (free transfer) - Ethan Berry from Crystal Palace (free transfer) - Adam Nelson from Glentoran (free transfer) - Eleizer Mayenda from Rennes (£22m) - Anthony Patterson from Wrexham (£10m) - Ahmed Abdullahi from Eyupspor (undisclosed fee) - Harrison Jones from Peterborough (undisclosed fee) - Zak Johnson from York (undisclosed fee) - Nazariy Rusyn from Karpaty Lviv (undisclosed fee) - Timothée Pembele from Le Havre (undisclosed fee) - Dennis Cirkin from QPR (free) - Oliver Bainbridge from Boreham Wood (free) - Tom Lavery from Gateshead (free) - Dan Neil from Rangers (free) - Rhys Walsh from Glentoran (free) - Milan Aleksic from Partizan Belgrade (loan) - Matty Young from Huddersfield (loan) - Bertrand Traoré (released) - Niall Huggins (released) These targets illustrate Sunderland’s broad strategy of blending experienced professionals, promising youngsters and cost‑effective free agents to build a squad capable of challenging for promotion. The club’s financial situation allows for a mix of modest fees and free‑transfer deals, while the occasional higher‑priced acquisition, such as Grealish or Paixao, would be justified by the impact they could have on the team’s performance.
Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest developments via the Transfer Centre LIVE app, which provides real‑time headlines, Premier League transfer rumours, and streaming options for matches. Sunderland’s pursuit of Grealish and Paixao, alongside other potential signings, underscores their ambition to reinforce the flanks and add depth to the attacking third.
If the negotiations succeed, the Black Cats could see a significant upgrade to their wing play, giving them the creative spark needed to compete at the top of the Championship and potentially secure a return to the Premier League. The club’s leadership remains focused on securing the best possible deals before the transfer window closes, balancing immediate needs with long‑term planning. Sunderland’s willingness to explore both loan and permanent options for Grealish reflects a pragmatic approach, ensuring they retain flexibility while still aiming to bring a high‑profile talent into the squad. Should the deal go through, Grealish would join a side eager to inject experience, flair, and a winning mentality into their campaign, while also providing City with a valuable outlet for a player who has found limited opportunities in Pep Guardiola’s side.
In summary, Sunderland’s late‑stage interest in Jack Grealish, combined with their pursuit of Igor Paixao and a host of other targets, highlights a comprehensive recruitment drive designed to strengthen the team’s wide‑area options, add depth across the pitch, and ultimately achieve promotion ambitions.