Sunderland are heading towards the final stages of the transfer window with plenty still happening behind-the-scenes
Sunderland’s summer business has started to accelerate, with Florent Ghisolfi still having work to do as Régis Le Bris looks to strengthen his squad for a campaign involving both Premier League and Europa League football.
Jules Ahoka became Sunderland’s latest signing after completing his move from Royal Antwerp, joining Thomas Meunier and Dayann Méthalie among the club’s summer additions.
There is also significant work taking place away from incoming transfers, with Sunderland moving to secure the future of one of their most important players. Here is a look at some of the latest transfer and contract stories surrounding the Black Cats:
Robin Roefs agreement reached
Sunderland have reached an agreement with Robin Roefs over a new contract which would keep the goalkeeper at the Stadium of Light until 2031, The Echo understands. The deal is not completely over the line just yet, with the final formalities still to be completed, but Roefs is expected to sign the new terms in the coming days.
It is another positive piece of business from Sunderland as they look to secure the long-term futures of their key players.mRoefs established himself as a major part of Le Bris’ side last season and has developed into one of Sunderland’s most valuable assets, while still having significant room to improve given his age. An agreement running until 2031 would give Sunderland considerable security over the goalkeeper’s future and represents a positive signal from the club as Ghisolfi looks to build around the core of Le Bris’ squad.
Fresh Marc Casadó reports
One of the more eye-catching names to emerge around Sunderland is Barcelona midfielder Marc Casadó. Reports in Spain have claimed Sunderland are showing an interest in the 22-year-old, with suggestions that discussions have taken place regarding a possible move away from Barcelona.
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Casadó has been valued at somewhere between £25.8million and £34.4million, meaning any permanent deal would represent another significant investment from Sunderland. The Barcelona academy graduate has also attracted attention from elsewhere in England, with several Premier League clubs previously credited with an interest in his situation. Casadó would offer Le Bris another technically strong option in midfield, though it remains to be seen whether Sunderland’s reported interest develops into anything more concrete during the closing stages of the window.
Geny Catamo situation continues
Geny Catamo remains one of the most significant attacking names linked with Sunderland as the Black Cats continue to explore the possibility of signing the Sporting CP winger. Sunderland have made progress on the player side of a potential deal, with Catamo open to a move to Wearside, but negotiations with Sporting have proved considerably more difficult.
The Mozambique international has a release clause worth approximately £51.6million, although reports from Portugal have suggested Sporting could consider offers below that figure. A fee around £34.4million has been widely discussed in Portuguese reporting as the sort of level which could be required to seriously test Sporting’s resolve.
Sunderland have also explored the work permit possibilities surrounding Catamo in preparation for the eventuality that a club-to-club agreement can be reached. The winger has been a player of significant interest to Sunderland’s recruitment team, but Sporting’s valuation remains the major obstacle. With the transfer window moving towards its conclusion, there will need to be further progress between the clubs if Sunderland are to turn their interest into a deal.
Jules Ahoka through the door
One deal Sunderland have managed to complete is the signing of Jules Ahoka from Royal Antwerp. The 20-year-old midfielder has moved to Wearside on a long-term contract in a deal reported to be worth around £8million to £8.6million.
Ahoka is regarded as a player with considerable potential and gives Le Bris another option in midfield as Sunderland prepare to juggle their domestic commitments with Europa League football. Ghisolfi has spoken positively about the midfielder’s physical attributes, defensive qualities and mentality, with Sunderland having tracked his development before making their move.
The deal fits Sunderland’s wider recruitment model of investing in younger players who can contribute to the first team while retaining significant potential to increase in value. Ahoka’s arrival does not necessarily signal the end of Sunderland’s work in midfield, with the Black Cats continuing to be linked with a number of players as the deadline approaches.
Riquelme Fillipi linked
Palmeiras youngster Riquelme Fillipi is another attacker to have been linked with a move to Sunderland. The 19-year-old winger has reportedly attracted attention from clubs in England, with Sunderland among those credited with monitoring his situation.
Palmeiras have already rejected significant interest in the teenager, including a reported offer worth around £15million, which gives some indication of the level of investment that could be required to tempt the Brazilian club into selling. Fillipi has limited senior experience but is regarded as an exciting young attacking talent and would fit the profile of player Sunderland have frequently targeted under their current recruitment structure.
The Black Cats have been looking at ways to strengthen their attacking options, particularly on the right-hand side, throughout the summer. Sunderland face Fulham at the Stadium of Light in their first home game of the 2026-27 Premier League season after losing 2-1 against Ipswich Town at Portman Road last weekend.
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Sunderland's potential £83.8m triple transfer plan emerges as Florent Ghisolfi secures key contract
Sunderland's potential £83.8m triple transfer plan emerges as Florent Ghisolfi secures key contract