Sunderland are now keen on signing a "rising star" in the summer transfer window, and there are positive signs that a deal could be possible.
Le Bris drops update on Sunderland's summer transfer plans
The Black Cats have surpassed all expectations this season, and they could still finish as high as seventh in the Premier League with a victory against Chelsea this weekend, in what is their final game.
Regis Le Bris made major changes to his squad last summer, which ultimately paid dividends, but the manager has now hinted there may be far less activity in the upcoming transfer window.
Regis-Le-Bris
"It will be important to build on the foundations we have created together because we feel as though we still have so much to do with this squad. Then, it will still be important to add two, three or four players to help the starting XI and also improve the core of 16 or so for the first-team squad. That is what we will be trying to do.
"We don’t need a repeat of what happened last summer."
It is difficult to argue with Le Bris' logic of not wanting to fix something that isn't broken, but there could still be a few arrivals this summer, and a right-back has now emerged as a target.
Sunderland enter race to sign "rising" star
According to a report from Il Resto Del Carlino (via Sport Witness), Emil Holm is now very likely to leave Bologna this summer, following an unsuccessful loan spell with Juventus, and Sunderland are in the picture to secure his signature, alongside Premier League rivals Everton and Brighton.
The Toffees have already submitted a bid for the 16-cap Sweden international, which was knocked back, but he is set to leave the Italian club, who haven't been impressed with his injury record.
Juve also have no interest in signing the 26-year-old on a permanent basis, given that he has predominantly been used as a substitute since arriving in January.
Emil Holm's injury record Matches missed (club and country)
2022-23 16
2023-24 9
2024-25 9
2025-26 17
That said, former Sweden star Pontus Wernbloom has lauded his compatriot as a "rising star", and he has impressed when available this season, chipping in with one goal and four assists in 17 Serie A appearances.
Emil Holm's defensive stats in the Serie A
857 minutes played
29 tackles
8 interceptions
27 clearances
57 recoveries
3 blocked shots
Sunderland may need to sign a new right-back this summer, given that Lutsharel Geertruida is expected to depart, despite returning to the starting XI in recent weeks, with Leeds United plotting a surprise move for the RB Leipzig man.
However, Holm's injury record, coupled with his lack of experience in the Premier League, means he would be a risky addition to Le Bris' squad.
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