Sunderland are actively investigating the possibility of securing a late‑season deal for Manchester City winger Jack Grealish. The Black Cats have expressed a particular interest in arranging a loan move for the 30‑year‑old, who is now entering the final year of his contract with the Premier League champions. While a temporary arrangement is at the forefront of their strategy, the club is also weighing the option of a permanent transfer as part of a broader plan to reinforce their flanks.
The interest in Grealish comes at a time when Sunderland are also pursuing Brazilian forward Igor Paixao from Olympique de Marseille. The club’s scouting department has identified both players as potential game‑changing additions that could lift the side’s attacking output and provide depth in wide positions. Grealish spent the 2022‑23 campaign on loan at Everton, where he showcased his ability to drift wide, cut inside, and create scoring opportunities. Everton remain keen on re‑engaging the English international, but Sunderland believe they can present a compelling case, especially given the winger’s desire for regular first‑team football as his contract draws to a close.
In recent weeks, Grealish has featured sporadically for City. He appeared off the bench in the Community Shield loss to Arsenal and was also used as a substitute in Manchester City’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth. Those limited minutes underline the fact that, despite his pedigree, Grealish is not currently a guaranteed starter for Pep Guardiola’s side. Complicating matters for City is the recent departure of two wide‑forward options.
Both Savio and Omar Marmoush have been sold to Tottenham Hotspur – Savio’s move has already been completed, while Marmoush’s transfer is still in the final stages. Their exits have left a noticeable gap in the club’s depth on the wings, a situation that has been further aggravated by a short‑term calf injury to Jeremy Doku, who is expected to be sidelined for two to three weeks.
To address the shortage, City have announced the imminent signing of 22‑year‑old Brazilian talent Allan from Palmeiras. Allan is earmarked as a direct replacement for Savio, but his paperwork has yet to be finalized. In addition, the Manchester outfit have expressed interest in Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo, indicating that the club is still actively seeking to bolster its attacking options. At present, Enzo Maresca’s Sunderland squad lists only Antoine Semenyo and Jack Grealish as senior, out‑and‑out wide players.
While Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki have occasionally been deployed on the flanks, they are more commonly used in central roles, leaving the club with a clear need for a specialist winger. The pursuit of Igor Paixao is equally serious.
Sunderland’s manager, Régis Le Bris, has placed a firm bid on the Brazilian forward earlier this week. Paixao had previously attracted interest from Leeds United last summer, but ultimately chose to sign for Marseille.
Sunderland’s bid reflects their willingness to invest in quality talent, and the French club is reportedly eager to raise funds, making the transfer plausible. Beyond Grealish and Paixao, Sunderland have been in prolonged negotiations with Sporting Lisbon regarding Mozambique winger Geny Catamo. The player’s release clause stands at £51.4 million, a figure that Sunderland would need to match or exceed to secure his services.
While that sum is substantial, the club’s ambition to assemble a competitive squad suggests they are prepared to explore all viable avenues. The following list of potential signings and targets has also been circulating within Sunderland’s scouting reports: - Dayann Methalie (Toulouse) – £25.7 million - Jules Ahoka (Royal Antwerp) – £8 million - Thomas Meunier (Lille) – free transfer - Ethan Berry (Crystal Palace) – free transfer - Adam Nelson (Glentoran) – free transfer - Eleizer Mayenda (Rennes) – £22 million - Anthony Patterson (Wrexham) – £10 million - Ahmed Abdullahi (Eyupspor) – undisclosed fee - Harrison Jones (Peterborough) – undisclosed fee - Zak Johnson (York) – undisclosed fee - Nazariy Rusyn (Karpaty Lviv) – undisclosed fee - Timothée Pembele (Le Havre) – undisclosed fee - Dennis Cirkin (QPR) – free transfer - Oliver Bainbridge (Boreham Wood) – free transfer - Tom Lavery (Gateshead) – free transfer - Dan Neil (Rangers) – free transfer - Rhys Walsh (Glentoran) – free transfer - Milan Aleksic (Partizan Belgrade) – loan deal - Matty Young (Huddersfield) – loan deal - Bertrand Traoré – released - Niall Huggins – released These names illustrate Sunderland’s broad approach, ranging from experienced internationals to promising youngsters and loan options. The club appears determined to balance immediate impact with long‑term development, ensuring a squad capable of competing at the highest level. In summary, Sunderland’s pursuit of Jack Grealish represents a strategic move to inject proven Premier League quality into their lineup, while the parallel chase of Igor Paixao and other targets underscores a comprehensive recruitment drive.
Should the negotiations succeed, the Black Cats could significantly upgrade their wing play, offering fans an exciting brand of football and positioning themselves as serious contenders in the upcoming season.