Godwin ObajeSunderland Plot £48.7m Premier League Swoop as Speakman Eyes Gomez and Diarra Deals
Sunderland are wasting no time in preparing for their Premier League return, with Kristjaan Speakman spearheading an ambitious recruitment drive that could see the club splash out nearly £50million on two high-profile signings.
According to The Guardian, the Black Cats are eyeing up a stunning move for Liverpool and England defender Joe Gomez, who is reportedly available for £30million as the Reds reshape their squad this summer. The 28-year-old, who boasts 149 Premier League appearances and 15 England caps, would be a significant coup for Sunderland.
Gomez is believed to be attracting attention from a host of top-flight clubs including Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Everton, West Ham, Leeds and Burnley. But Sunderland’s re-emergence in the Premier League – coupled with a proactive recruitment model under Speakman and head of recruitment Stuart Harvey – has placed them firmly in the mix.
A title winner with Liverpool and capable of operating at centre-back or full-back, Gomez would represent a marquee signing and a major show of intent from a club looking to do more than simply consolidate their top-flight status.
Sunderland are also keen to bolster their midfield and have turned their attention to Habib Diarra, the highly-rated 20-year-old Senegalese midfielder currently at Strasbourg. Valued at around £18.7million, Diarra has impressed with his dynamic displays in Ligue 1 and is attracting admiring glances from across Europe.
While competition is expected, Sunderland are determined to add further energy and versatility to Régis Le Bris’ midfield unit. Diarra’s powerful running and technical ability could prove invaluable as the Black Cats look to impose themselves in the Premier League.
In defence, Cameron Carter-Vickers is another player on the radar. The Celtic centre-back has been a consistent performer in the Scottish Premiership and is also being tracked by Leeds United. Meanwhile, Sunderland are reportedly battling Crystal Palace for the signature of Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga, who impressed during the latter part of last season.
Beyond first-team reinforcements, the club’s focus on youth development remains strong. Milan Aleksić, a 19-year-old Serbian midfielder, is close to sealing a loan move back to Partizan Belgrade. The youngster has found opportunities limited since arriving on Wearside and is eager to secure regular senior football.
In midfield, Isaac Price of West Brom has emerged as a target. The 21-year-old Northern Ireland international enjoyed a breakout campaign in the Championship and is drawing interest from Sunderland, Burnley and Portsmouth. As reported by SportsBoom, Price’s creativity and tactical maturity have made him one of the most sought-after young players among the newly promoted clubs.
There is also transfer activity surrounding former loanee Salis Abdul-Samed, who is attracting interest from Bundesliga outfit VfB Stuttgart. The Ghanaian midfielder made 11 appearances during his short spell at the Stadium of Light before injury ended his season. According to Africa Foot, Stuttgart are preparing a £5.1million bid, with Samed viewing the potential switch as a “major challenge”.
In League Two, Morgan Feeney has returned to Carlisle United on a two-year deal following his departure from Shrewsbury Town. The 25-year-old former Sunderland defender made over 100 appearances in his previous stint at Brunton Park and will rejoin officially on 1 July.
With recruitment in full swing and Premier League football secured, Sunderland’s intent is clear: to build a squad capable of competing, not just surviving, in the top tier.
Godwin Obaje
