Paraguayan centre-back Omar Alderete came close to joining Roma before choosing Sunderland, according to his agent Renato Bittar in comments to local outlet [**Versus Radio**](https://x.com/SomosVersusPY/status/1968333796761051389).
The defender was wanted in Italy, but the Premier League project on offer at the Stadium of Light proved decisive.
Bittar explained that a meeting did take place with Roma, yet Sunderland’s approach changed the direction of the transfer. _“When the Premier League appears, and a historic club like Sunderland, there is not much to think about from our point of view,”_ he said.
He stressed that the league is “top level” and that _“every weekend feels like a Champions League match, marking the best forwards in the world”_.
The agent added that Alderete has embraced the challenge: _“For Omar, entering such an important team as Sunderland, even if they have just been promoted, we know the history and the new investment. For him to be one of the chosen players is a source of pride. The team started well and he started super well. I think it was the correct step to take.”_
Journalist Andrés Rolón also highlighted how quickly Alderete has established himself: the centre-back debuted with an assist and then secured his place in the starting XI. _“We are talking about a very solid defence that is led by Omar, who fitted in from the beginning,”_ Rolón observed.
Although some fans may have expected him to sign for a bigger name in Italy or England, the early signs suggest Alderete made the right call.
Sunderland’s new project has given him a platform, and he has already become a key figure in their Premier League return.