It was revealed on Thursday that Sunderland have agreed to a loan move for Chelsea’s Marc Guiu, but a new target may scupper the Spaniard’s chances of success.
Marc Guiu is surplus to requirements at Chelsea this season. The additions of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap leave little room for the 19-year-old to feature.
As a promising future option for the Blues, a permanent deal was never desired, making Sunderland’s offer to take Guiu on loan the perfect move for Chelsea.
🚨⚪️🔴 EXCLUSIVE: Sunderland agree deal to sign Marc Guiu on loan from Chelsea, here we go!
Deal in place for straight loan, no buy option clause as Guiu remains part of Chelsea long term plans.
Salary covered by #SAFC as he’ll be an important striker for Le Bris plans. pic.twitter.com/iYRvBngzdl
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 31, 2025
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But news out of Sunderland is throwing a spanner into the works.
Sunderland add RB Leipzig’s Lois Openda to transfer shortlist
As reported by Florian Plettenberg for Sky Sports Germany Sunderland have turned their attention to the Bundesliga, with Leipzig striker Lois Openda generating interest.
🚨🔴⚪️ Excl | Sunderland have added Loïs #Openda to their shortlist for this summer transfer window.
However, it is questionable whether RB Leipzig would be willing to let the 25 y/o striker leave as well, if they sell both Xavi Simons and Benjamin Sesko. @SkySportDE 🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/x7qeX74eAE
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 2, 2025
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While this is nothing more than the early rumblings of a move, the implications are not good for Chelsea’s plans with Guiu.
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Funnily enough, RB Leipzig had interest in Guiu before the Sunderland deal came about. But if Openda does join the Black Cats, it could be detrimental to the opportunities afforded to Chelsea’s young prospect.
Xavi Simons and Benjamin Sesko may extinguish Sunderland’s hopes
It’s well documented at this point that Chelsea are on the hunt for Xavi Simons, with a deal with Leipzig looking increasingly likely.
Openda’s partner up top, Benjamin Sesko, also has one foot out the door, leaving the German side in a difficult spot. Newcastle bid for the Hungarian on Saturday morning and Manchester United are also said to be in the race.
RB Leipzig v FC Augsburg - Bundesliga
Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images
Losing two of your best attackers isn’t ideal, but losing your top three would be catastrophic. Leipzig would surely have to pull the plug on any discussions with Sunderland, should the aforementioned deals go through.
This provides an added incentive for Chelsea and Enzo Maresca to finalise the Simons deal, not that they needed it.