Newly-promoted Premier League outfit Sunderland have signed Marc Guiu from Chelsea on a season-long loan.
Guiu’s move to Sunderland was slightly held up, but the Black Cats managed to finalise a deal in the end.
Chelsea have allowed the young striker to leave Stamford Bridge temporarily after signing Joao Pedro and Liam Delap earlier this summer.
RB Leipzig were also interested in Guiu, but the 19-year-old remains in England and will continue playing his football in the Premier League.
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Kristjaan Speakman reveals Sunderland had to convince Marc Guiu and Chelsea to complete loan deal
Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has confirmed that other clubs were keen on Guiu, complicating things for the six-time English champions.
They had to convince both Guiu and Chelsea that the Stadium of Light was the right place for the Spaniard before a loan deal was sanctioned.
“In a loan acquisition, we not only have to convince the player but also the parent Club, and we thank Chelsea for placing their trust in us,” Speakman told Sunderland’s official club website.
“Most importantly, Marc wanted to come to Sunderland and be a part of our Club. The competition for his signature was significant, and he had many high-quality options this summer, so we are delighted he’s joined Sunderland.
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“Marc’s a progressive striker who has key attributes that align with the role in our team. In addition to providing a threat in the final third, we believe there are many other ways he can impact games, and we look forward to helping him do that throughout the 2025-26 season.”
Chelsea supporters will want to see Guiu getting plenty of game time next season to aid his development.
The former Barcelona youth player showed a lot of promise in the previous campaign and could have a big future in west London.
Guiu played a key role in Chelsea’s Conference League success, scoring six goals in seven appearances as Enzo Maresca‘s men went on to win the competition.
He will now be hoping to replicate that kind of goalscoring form at Sunderland, who will be penalised if the loanee does not play a certain number of games because of a clause in their loan agreement with Chelsea.
Marc Guiu of Chelsea celebrates scoring
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Marc Guiu describes himself as ‘powerful striker’
Guiu is excited about the challenge that awaits him at Sunderland and has shared with supporters what kind of player he is.
Speaking to Sunderland’s website upon his arrival at the club, Guiu said: “I’m feeling great and really looking forward to the season ahead. I see myself as a powerful striker, who can make a difference on and off the ball, and I pride myself on being a natural goalscorer.
“This year is a huge opportunity for me to help take this team where it truly deserves to be, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Nicolas Jackson could be the next forward at Chelsea who departs. Amid interest from Newcastle United, who now look to have missed out on RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, Fabrizio Romano is convinced that Jackson will leave Chelsea during this transfer window.