Sunderland are actively investigating the possibility of securing a late‑season move for Manchester City’s versatile winger Jack Grealish. The Black Cats have expressed a clear interest in arranging a loan deal for the 30‑year‑old, who is now entering the final year of his current contract with the Sky Blues. While a temporary arrangement is the primary focus, the club is also keeping the option of a permanent transfer on the table as they aim to bolster their options on the flanks. The pursuit of Grealish comes as part of a broader recruitment drive that also sees Sunderland targeting Brazilian forward Igor Paixao from Olympique de Marseille.
The club’s scouting department has identified both players as potential game‑changing additions, particularly in wide positions where depth has become a pressing concern. Grealish spent the previous campaign on loan at Everton, where he impressed with his ability to drive forward, cut inside, and deliver precise crosses. Everton remain keen on the player, but Sunderland believe they can offer him a more prominent role and a chance to become a key figure in a promotion‑chasing side.
In recent weeks, Grealish has featured as a substitute for City, appearing in the Community Shield loss to Arsenal and in the Premier League opener against Bournemouth, suggesting he is still in the manager’s plans but not a guaranteed starter. Manchester City’s squad depth on the wings has been further depleted after the club agreed to sell Savio and Omar Marmoush to Tottenham Hotspur. Savio’s transfer has already been completed, and Marmoush is in the final stages of his move. This departure leaves City with limited alternatives in the wide‑forward roles, a situation that has been aggravated by a short‑term calf injury to Jeremy Doku, who is expected to be sidelined for two to three weeks.
To compensate, City are poised to sign 22‑year‑old Brazilian forward Allan from Palmeiras, although his paperwork is still pending. The club is also monitoring Cody Gakpo at Liverpool as a possible addition to the attacking roster. At present, Sunderland manager Enzo Maresca’s only senior, natural‑wide players are Antoine Semenyo and the potential acquisition of Grealish. While Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki have occasionally been deployed on the wings, they are more frequently used in central attacking roles, leaving a genuine gap that the Black Cats are eager to fill.
The interest in Igor Paixao mirrors Sunderland’s desire to secure a high‑quality winger. Regiés Le Bris’ side have already submitted a formal bid for the Brazilian striker earlier this week. Paixao had previously been linked with Leeds United last summer, but he ultimately chose to join Marseille.
Sunderland’s negotiations are ongoing, and Marseille’s need to generate funds makes the deal plausible, provided both clubs can agree on the financial terms. In addition to Grealish and Paixao, Sunderland have been in prolonged talks with Sporting Lisbon regarding Mozambican winger Geny Catamo.
Catamo’s contract includes a release clause of £51.4 million, a figure that would represent a significant investment for Sunderland but one they are prepared to consider if it secures a player of his calibre. The club’s transfer list also features a range of other targets across various leagues, ranging from promising youngsters to experienced free agents. Notable names include Dayann Methalie from Toulouse (£25.7m), Jules Ahoka from Royal Antwerp (£8m), and Thomas Meunier from Lille on a free transfer.
Additional free‑signings being monitored are Ethan Berry (Crystal Palace), Adam Nelson (Glentoran), Eleizer Mayenda (Rennes, £22m), Anthony Patterson (Wrexham, £10m), and several others such as Ahmed Abdullahi (Eyupspor), Harrison Jones (Peterborough), Zak Johnson (York), and Nazariy Rusyn (Karpaty Lviv), all with undisclosed fees. Sunderland have also identified a handful of players available on free transfers or loan deals, including Dennis Cirkin (QPR), Oliver Bainbridge (Boreham Wood), Tom Lavery (Gateshead), Dan Neil (Rangers), Rhys Walsh (Glentoran), Milan Aleksic (Partizan Belgrade, loan), Matty Young (Huddersfield, loan), as well as released talents Bertrand Traoré and Niall Huggins.
Overall, Sunderland’s transfer strategy reflects a clear intent to reinforce the squad’s width and attacking potency ahead of the crucial stages of the season. By potentially adding a high‑profile winger like Jack Grealish, alongside other targeted signings, the Black Cats hope to improve their creative output, increase goal‑scoring opportunities, and ultimately mount a serious challenge for promotion. The club’s leadership remains optimistic that negotiations will progress swiftly, allowing the new arrivals to integrate during the upcoming match‑day window and make an immediate impact on the pitch.