Sunderland could be set for a busy end to the summer transfer window, with Regis Le Bris’ side working to strengthen at both ends of the pitch.
The Black Cats have been searching for a marquee wide addition in recent days, with Marseille star Igor Paixao emerging as their leading target.
Sunderland have looked at the likes of Sporting CP’s Geny Catamo and Roma’s Matias Soule, but their pursuit of Paixao appears to be the most advanced.
Personal terms are understood to have already been agreed with the Brazilian, while TEAMtalk have reported that the two clubs are now close to agreeing an overall fee for his services.
Marseille are still fighting to keep the 26-year-old, but their need to raise funds due to financial regulations could ultimately help Sunderland get a deal over the line before the deadline.
However, Paixao may not be the only new arrival at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland also want another centre-back
Alongside their search for another attacking option, Sunderland are also attempting to bolster Le Bris’ defensive ranks. Tottenham Hotspur defender Kevin Danso has already emerged as a target, with the Black Cats making an approach to try to bring the Austria international to Wearside.
Spurs have rejected that loan proposal from Sunderland, although Danso’s future remains uncertain after Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi confirmed that the defender is among the players who have asked to leave the club.
Danso isn’t the Black Cats’ only option, though. According to TEAMtalk, Sunderland have also made an enquiry over the availability of Chelsea centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo as they weigh up alternative additions before the window shuts.
Fulham are also credited with interest in their former defender, meaning Sunderland could face competition if they decide to step up their approach.
Premier League 2025/26 | Kevin Danso | Tosin Adarabioyo |
|---|---|---|
Appearances | 24 | 16 |
Starts | 17 | 8 |
Minutes | 1,494 | 795 |
Yellow cards | 8 | 2 |
Red cards | 0 | 0 |
Clean sheets | 7 | 5 |
Tackles per 90 | 1.62 | 1.82 |
Interceptions per 90 | 1.50 | 1.03 |
Clearances per 90 | 7.92 | 7.63 |
Aerial duels won per 90 | 4.38 | 4.56 |
Tosin could nevertheless represent an intriguing option for Le Bris. The 28-year-old has extensive Premier League experience from his spells in London at Craven Cottage and Stamford Bridge.
He’d bring additional height and physicality to Sunderland’s back line and was described as a “special” player by former boss Marco Silva.
Should Sunderland land Tosin before Tuesday evening, they’d be adding a towering 6ft 5in centre-back who is comfortable with the physical side of the game but also possesses the technical qualities to help the Black Cats play out from defence.
Paixao remains Sunderland’s immediate attacking priority and a deal is now believed to be edging closer, but the Black Cats are clearly looking beyond merely improving their forward options and could therefore be in for a busy final few days behind the scenes.
