Planning ahead for 2026, Sunderland chiefs are now in disagreement about a move to sign a former Barcelona gem when the January transfer window swings open.
What Sunderland need in January
It was a summer spending spree like no other at Sunderland, who broke their transfer record more than twice to welcome Simon Adingra and Habib Diarra, before also signing Granit Xhaka among others. The Black Cats backed Regis Le Bris in full and have not looked back since. Now, after seven games in the Premier League, they've reaped the rewards.
Sat as high as ninth in the top flight, those at the Stadium of Light couldn't have pictured a much better start. Victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers could even take them as high as the top four if other results go their way this weekend.
That said, Le Bris' feet will still be firmly fixed to the ground. He'll know that this weekend's clash against Wolves is still a relegation six-pointer and one that Sunderland simply have to win if they are to avoid the drop this season.
Away from the pitch, meanwhile, the Black Cats could be ones to watch once again when the transfer window swings open in January. When AFCON arrives and the likes of Diarra and Adingra leave to take part in the competition, Le Bris could find himself particularly short in the attacking department.
That's when Sunderland should back their manager one more time this season and look towards short-term solutions. The winter window is never routine, but if those in Wearside can land a swift bargain, then they could conjure up the perfect route towards Premier League survival.
Sunderland now considering Guiu move
As reported by TeamTalk, Sunderland are now considering a move to sign Marc Guiu in January. The Chelsea striker had his loan spell cut short in Wearside when the Blues recalled him amid their injury struggles, only to struggle for game time ever since.
When Liam Delap returns to fill fitness at Stamford Bridge, the former Barcelona forward is likely to face more struggles, and that's where Sunderland should come in. Given that FIFA rules state that players can only represent two clubs per season, a return to the Stadium of Light is very much Guiu's only option this winter.
Marc-Guiu-Le-Fe-Sunderland
That said, Sunderland chiefs are still unsure. Whilst some are pushing to welcome the 19-year-old back to the club, others are reportedly keen to use their resources on other areas of Le Bris' squad.
Whether Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca will let the teenager leave in January even after Delap's return is also another question. The Italian praised the young forward back in February, telling reporters: "Marc is improving a lot, to be honest. He is doing fantastic. Day after day he is more ready for that kind of game."
He may not get his move in the end, but there's no doubt that Guiu still has unfinished business at the Stadium of Light.