Sunderland‘s summer transfer window has so far been characterised more by patient planning than a flurry of completed signings.
Following qualification for the Europa League last season, Regis Le Bris and sporting director Florent Ghisolfi have been tasked with building a squad capable of competing at a significantly higher level.
Experienced defender Thomas Meunier remains the club’s only senior arrival after joining on a free transfer, while other targets continue to be assessed as Sunderland look to strengthen several areas before the new season.
That said, they’re also closing in on a deal for Dayann Methalie, who was previously targeted by Newcastle.
Rather than rushing into deals, the Black Cats appear determined to recruit players who can improve the team both immediately and over the longer term.
One player who continues to attract attention across Europe is Matías Soulé.
The Argentine forward has been regarded as one of his country’s brightest attacking prospects since leaving Vélez Sarsfield for Juventus in 2020.
Although opportunities with Juventus’ first team were limited, his development accelerated during a loan spell at Frosinone in the 2023/24 season.
Despite the club’s relegation from Serie A, Soulé scored 11 league goals and established himself as one of the division’s most exciting young attackers, earning widespread praise for his dribbling, creativity and ability to cut inside from the right flank.
Those performances persuaded Roma to invest around £25 million to bring him to the Stadio Olimpico the following summer.
His time in Rome has been more complicated, though.
Soulé has shown flashes of the talent that made him one of Italy’s most highly-rated young forwards, but competition for places has limited his influence. Across two seasons with Roma, he has featured regularly without becoming a nailed-on starter, contributing 12 goals and 13 assists while often rotating across several attacking positions.
The arrival of Gian Piero Gasperini has intensified competition even further, prompting speculation that Roma could consider offers if the right proposal arrives.
Comfortable operating from the right wing, as a number ten or in a supporting attacking role, he fits the profile of player Sunderland have targeted in recent years.
Ghisolfi’s previous spell at Roma could also be relevant, with the Sunderland sporting director already familiar with Soulé and his situation inside the Italian club.
Fresh reports from Italy suggest Sunderland are now exploring whether a deal could become possible.
Sunderland talks intensify for Matias Soule after Roma meeting
According to Tuttosport, via Sport Witness, Soulé’s agent, Martin Guastadisegno, has held meetings with both Sunderland and Fulham after the player was presented as a potential signing.
The report states Roma are open to discussing his future as they continue reshaping their squad, although no formal agreement has been reached despite talks intensifying.
The report also notes that Roma would welcome a sale if their valuation is met, while Juventus are due a percentage of any future transfer after including a sell-on clause when Soulé left Turin.
Gasperini himself is also open to letting Soule leave, viewing him as a sellable player.
For Sunderland, there is still considerable work to do before any move could materialise.
Competition from Fulham and the financial demands of a potential £30m deal represent significant hurdles.
Even so, the latest update suggests the Black Cats are assessing a solid option as they continue searching for attacking reinforcements ahead of their return to Europe.
