Sunderland have been linked with two potential arrivals and one high-profile exit ahead of the January transfer window
Sunderland continue to feature prominently in the early transfer speculation ahead of the January window, with reports emerging around potential incomings and one of the Black Cats’ current stars.
Sunderland linked with prolific £35m striker
Sunderland and Aston Villa are reportedly monitoring Athletico Paranaense striker Kevin Viveros as uncertainty grows over the Colombian international’s future in Brazil. According to Globo Esporte, talks over a new contract for the 26-year-old have stalled despite Viveros previously appearing close to extending his stay with Athletico.
That has increased speculation around a potential move to Europe, with Sunderland and Villa both said to have sought information regarding his situation. Viveros has enjoyed an outstanding 2026 campaign, scoring 18 goals in 26 Brazilian Serie A appearances to lead the competition’s scoring charts. Across all club competitions, he has registered 19 goals and four assists. His form has also earned him senior international recognition with Colombia.
There are differing reports around the potential cost of a deal. Brazilian reports suggest Athletico would want more than £17million for their leading scorer, while other reports have claimed Premier League interest could push his eventual valuation into the £25million to £35million bracket. Viveros joined Athletico from Atletico Nacional in a deal worth around £3.7million, meaning the Brazilian club could now be in line to make a significant profit.
Juventus consider £50m Brobbey move
Brian Brobbey has once again been linked with a move away from Sunderland, this time with Italian giants Juventus. TuttoMercatoWeb, citing TuttoJuve, reports that Juventus are considering their centre-forward options and could look to strengthen the position during the January transfer window. Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko and Monaco’s Folarin Balogun are named among their leading options, although their respective valuations could prove problematic. Sesko is reportedly valued at no less than £60million, while Balogun is said to be worth around £34million.
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Brobbey has subsequently been named as a potentially cheaper alternative, although prising him away from Sunderland would still require a substantial offer. Italian reports recently claimed the Black Cats now value the Netherlands international at around £50million following his impressive start to the campaign, which included a hat-trick against Manchester City. Sunderland paid Ajax around £17million initially for Brobbey in September 2025, with the overall package potentially rising to approximately £21.5million through add-ons. It is understood that
£39m Barcelona star offered to Sunderland
Sunderland have also reportedly been contacted regarding the potential availability of Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde. TEAMtalk claims Barcelona are prepared to allow the 22-year-old to leave on loan in January after he slipped down Hansi Flick’s pecking order.
Balde’s representatives are said to be exploring possible Premier League destinations, with Sunderland, Everton and Fulham among the clubs contacted. Manchester United and Liverpool have also been linked with the defender. The Spain international has made just one league appearance this season despite already accumulating more than 160 competitive appearances for Barcelona.
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A permanent move would represent considerably different territory financially. Balde was reportedly valued at around £39million during the summer, while his current estimated market value sits at approximately £43million. His Barcelona contract runs until 2028, meaning any January opportunity for Sunderland appears far more likely to centre around the proposed loan arrangement, though the Black Cats already have Reinildo Mandava and Dayann Methalie on the books.
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