Phil Smith reacts to Sunderland's comeback win over Bournemouth
The January transfer window is rapidly approaching - and Sunderland are predicted to pull off some ambitious deals involving La Liga and Serie A stars.
The January transfer window was always likely to be a pivotal moment in Sunderland’s season after the Black Cats secured a return to the Premier League last season.
However, where many may have suspected the first month of the new year would bring new additions to boost a bid to remain in the top flight, it now appears January could provide an opportunity to strengthen Regis Le Bris’ squad as Sunderland look to cement at least a top ten finish or at best, a successful push for European competition.
The opening three and a half months have been memorable for the Black Cats as they have produced a whole host of outstanding results to become the Premier League’s surprise package. After seeing off the likes of Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and West Ham United earlier in the season, Sunderland came from two goals down to secure a 3-2 home win against Bournemouth on Saturday to move back into the top four ahead of a busy fixture schedule on Sunday afternoon.
Speculation over who could be arriving at the Stadium of Light in January has already made headlines in recent weeks - but how could the Sunderland squad look when the January transfer window comes to a close?
We take a look at who Sunderland are predicted to sell and sign during the first month of the new year with the help of AI tool Grok3.
Who is predicted to leave Sunderland during the January transfer window?
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Dan Neil - £18m to Wolverhampton Wanderers
Grok3: “Homegrown star (expiring contract) tempts Wolves' £18m bid. Could be surplus to requirements and represents an £18m profit on academy gem that can fund new additions—bittersweet but squad-efficient.”
Dennis Cirkin - £15m to Roma
Grok3: “Italian interest surges for the 23-year-old (expiring deal); solid but a new arrival frees him for Serie A move. £15m recoups summer investment, with a new addition providing seamless cover.”
Jay Matete - Loan to Bolton Wanderers
Grok3: “Injury-plagued midfielder with expiring contract) needs minutes in Championship or League One.”
Ahmed Abdullahi - Loan to Trabzonspor
Grok3: Nigerian youth international (no PL starts) draws loan bids; could be eventual profit on 2024 signing and would represent smart pruning of fringe depth.
Who will Sunderland sign during the January transfer window?
Heavily linked with a Villa move last summer amid Emery’s admiration, Guendouzi is again in the headlines. Football Insider reports the Villans have re-opened talks with Marseille over a potential deal.placeholder image
Heavily linked with a Villa move last summer amid Emery’s admiration, Guendouzi is again in the headlines. Football Insider reports the Villans have re-opened talks with Marseille over a potential deal. | Getty Images
Matteo Guendouzi - £26m from Lazio
Grok3: “Ongoing negotiations seal a dream ex-Arsenal reunion with Xhaka, forming an unyielding pivot. Guendouzi's 92% pass accuracy and 2.1 tackles/game (2025-26 Serie A stats) plug a void. Lazio's valuation met with add-ons and provides an instant tactical fit for Le Bris's press.”
Fermin Lopez - £35m from Barcelona
Grok3: “Audacious bid lands the 22-year-old La Liga winner amid Barca's FFP woes. 11 goals/assists in 13 starts this season and can unlock counters. Perfect for top-four push—Sunderland's ambition personified.”
Joshua Zirkzee - Loan with obligation to buy from Manchester United
Grok3: “United's £36m flop gets a fresh start; his Bologna haul (11 goals, 2023-24) translates to Premier League hold-up play. Rotates with Mayenda/Brobbey, easing rotation fatigue—low-risk amid United's squad trim.”
Jaden Slory - Loan with option to buy from Feyenoord
Grok3: “19-year-old Dutch speedster adds flair to Traoré's flank; low-cost depth for cup runs. High-upside youth injection without blocking academy paths.”
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