Latest transfer developments across Europe as Sunderland-linked names re-emerge ahead of summer window
Sunderland’s recruitment team will be keeping a close eye on developments across Europe as the summer transfer window approaches, with several familiar names back in the headlines.
According to The Athletic, Real Madrid are prepared to listen to offers for 22-year-old forward Gonzalo García this summer, though they are not open to selling highly rated 19-year-old striker Endrick, who is currently on loan at Lyon. Both players were loosely linked with Sunderland last year as the club explored young, high-potential attacking options, although no move materialised.
Elsewhere, fresh reports from L’Équipe have suggested Ousmane Dembélé is currently unwilling to engage in contract extension talks with Paris Saint-Germain. The 28-year-old could therefore become available, with a potential move to the Premier League described as a possibility.
Dembélé’s situation has attracted attention on Wearside due to his personal connection with Sunderland chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus. The France international has previously attended Sunderland matches during his time at Barcelona, though there is no suggestion at this stage that the Black Cats would pursue a deal. Any move for a player of Dembélé’s profile would represent a significant shift, with Europe’s elite clubs expected to be firmly in the mix should he become available.
Closer to home, Sunderland’s recent opponents, Tottenham Hotspur, have been dealt a major blow, with captain Cristian Romero set to miss the remainder of the season through injury. The Argentina international was forced off during Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light after a collision with goalkeeper Antonín Kinský while attempting to deal with Brian Brobbey. Reports indicate Romero will not feature again at club level this campaign, although hopes remain he could recover in time for the World Cup.
It is another setback for Spurs, who remain in the relegation zone and are now facing a tense run-in under new head coach Roberto De Zerbi, with injuries continuing to mount at a critical stage of the season. When asked about Romero's injury on Sunday, the Spurs boss said: "I hope for us it's not too important a problem because he's a crucial player for us.”
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