Who could Sunderland target once the summer transfer window opens, following a great season in the Premier League?
The summer transfer window is fast-approaching, and with Sunderland already long safe from relegation and still in with an outside chance of making Europe, they’ll already have an eye on potential signings.
Regis Le Bris has built a defensive juggernaut in the Premier League, with the Black Cats’ solid backline getting the job done even when goals are hard to come by. However, further reinforcements would never hurt at the back, while Sunderland could definitely benefit from some more reliable goalscorers and dynamic forwards.
Sunderland had great success in the European market last summer, with the likes of Noah Sadiki, Robin Roefs, Nordi Mukiele and Brian Brobbey arriving from the continent to great success - alongside the obvious Granit Xhaka. With all of that in mind, we’ve tasked X’s AI chatbot, Grok, with uncovering seven potential players plying their trade in Europe who Sunderland should sign this summer.
Potential European targets for Sunderland this summer
Joaquin Panichelli
Position: Striker
Age: 23
Club: Strasbourg
Grok: The 23-year-old Argentine has been a revelation in Ligue 1, scoring 16 goals in 27 appearances this season. At 1.90m, he brings aerial dominance and clinical finishing that Sunderland’s current forwards, who have posted limited output, clearly lack. His ability to hold up play and link with wide attackers would give the Black Cats a focal point up front, helping convert their decent possession into more goals and supporting a push beyond mid-table. Panichelli’s contract runs until 2030, but a realistic fee from a mid-tier Ligue 1 side makes him an attainable summer target.
Charlie Cresswell
Position: Centre-back
Age: 23
Club: Toulouse
Grok: The 23-year-old Englishman has established himself as one of Ligue 1’s most reliable young centre-backs at Toulouse, starting regularly and dominating aerial duels while showing composure in possession. His physical presence, leadership and progressive passing would add steel and Premier League-ready quality to Sunderland’s backline, which has been solid but lacks depth and dynamism for a higher finish. From a mid-table French club, Cresswell represents excellent value as a homegrown talent who could immediately strengthen the defence and fit seamlessly into the Black Cats’ development model.
Souffian El Karouani
Position: Left-back
Age: 25
Club: Utrecht
Grok: The 25-year-old Moroccan-Dutch left-back has excelled at Utrecht with his attacking overlaps and chance creation, registering high assist numbers across competitions. His balance of defensive reliability and forward threat would provide Sunderland with much-needed width and balance on the left, complementing their existing full-backs while improving transitions. At a club outside the Dutch elite, he is a realistic and cost-effective signing who could immediately elevate the side’s set-piece and counter-attacking options.
Nico Paz
Position: Attacking midfielder
Age: 21
Club: Como
Grok: The 21-year-old Argentine has shone in Serie A with 10 goals and six assists in 29 appearances. His vision, dribbling and ability to unlock defences would inject creativity into Sunderland’s midfield, where current options have struggled to create consistent chances. Versatile enough to play centrally or wide, Paz fits the club’s young, dynamic profile and could form a potent partnership with the forwards, driving the Black Cats towards a European challenge.
Rodrigo Zalazar
Position: Winger/attacking midfielder
Age: 26
Club: Braga
Grok: The 26-year-old Uruguayan has been exceptionally productive for Braga, notching 15 league goals plus assists while covering ground box-to-box. His energy, shooting from distance and defensive contributions would strengthen Sunderland’s midfield engine room, addressing their need for both creativity and steel. A proven performer at a competitive Portuguese club, Zalazar offers immediate Premier League-ready impact at a sensible price.
Troy Parrott
Position: Striker
Age: 24
Club: AZ Alkmaar
Grok: The 24-year-old Irish international has delivered 14 goals and four assists in 23 Eredivisie matches for AZ. Versatile across the front line with pace and a clinical touch, he would add depth and goal threat to Sunderland’s attack, where several forwards have underperformed. His experience in European football makes him a smart, realistic addition who could thrive in the Premier League’s intensity and help the side climb the table.
Mika Godts
Position: Winger
Age: 20
Club: Ajax
Grok: The 20-year-old Belgian has burst onto the scene at Ajax with 14 goals and nine assists in 26 league appearances. His pace, technical skill and eye for goal would bring dynamism to Sunderland’s flanks, creating and converting opportunities that their current wide players have failed to produce consistently. Young, hungry and with room to develop, Godts aligns perfectly with the club’s recruitment model and could become a long-term Premier League asset.
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