Just in: Sky Sports journalist says Sunderland now want to sign £50m ‘goal machine’ after Guiu
Sunderland Add Bundesliga Star Lois Openda to Ambitious Transfer Wishlist Following Marc Guiu Loan Agreement
Sunderland AFC’s bold recruitment drive in the 2025 summer transfer window shows no signs of slowing down. After sealing their long-awaited return to the Premier League with a dramatic Championship play-off final victory in May, the Black Cats are continuing to strengthen their squad with both promising youth and experienced international talent.
According to reports from Sky Sports, Sunderland have now added RB Leipzig striker Lois Openda to their list of attacking targets, shortly after reaching an agreement to bring Chelsea youngster Marc Guiu to the Stadium of Light on a season-long loan.
A Busy Summer at the Stadium of Light
New manager Régis Le Bris, appointed in June following the club’s promotion, has wasted no time in shaping a competitive squad for top-flight survival—and potentially more. Under his guidance, Sunderland have already pulled off several impressive moves in the transfer market. Notable additions include creative midfielder Enzo Le Fée from Rennes, box-to-box talent Habib Diarra, and dynamic winger Simon Adingra. The Black Cats also bolstered their defensive options with the arrivals of Chemsdine Talbi and Reinildo, while experienced Swiss international Granit Xhaka brings valuable leadership to the midfield.
Promising young Belgian Noah Sadiki and goalkeeper Robin Roefs also joined the squad, further reflecting the club’s intent to blend youthful energy with veteran know-how.
Now, the club has secured another significant piece for its attacking puzzle by finalizing a loan deal with Chelsea for teenage forward Marc Guiu. The 18-year-old Spaniard, highly rated within the Blues’ academy, is expected to gain crucial top-flight experience in the Premier League under Le Bris’ development-focused approach.
Sunderland Now Targeting RB Leipzig’s Lois Openda
But Sunderland’s ambition does not stop there. According to Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, the Wearside club are now exploring a potential move for prolific Belgian striker Lois Openda, who currently plays for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga.
The 24-year-old, widely regarded as a “goal machine,” has been in outstanding form since his arrival in Germany, and his performances have attracted attention from clubs across Europe. Leipzig reportedly value Openda at around £50 million—a fee that may prove challenging for Sunderland but also a reflection of the player’s growing stature.
However, any potential move could hinge on the outcomes of two other major transfer sagas currently surrounding Leipzig. Both Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons are being strongly linked with moves away from the club this summer. Newcastle United and Manchester United are said to be battling for Sesko’s signature, with the Magpies reportedly submitting a £70 million offer for the Slovenian forward.
Meanwhile, Dutch star Xavi Simons is on Chelsea’s radar, with talks said to be at an advanced stage. The uncertainty around these two players has raised doubts within Leipzig about allowing a third key attacker to leave in the same window.
Neither Sesko nor Simons featured in RB Leipzig’s recent pre-season friendly match, fueling speculation over their immediate futures. Reports suggest that Sesko has informed his teammates that a move is imminent, which could affect Leipzig’s willingness to engage in negotiations over Openda.
A Statement of Intent from Sunderland
The interest in Lois Openda underlines just how ambitious Sunderland’s plans are for their first season back in the Premier League. While a move for the Belgian international remains uncertain due to Leipzig’s internal squad situation, the very fact that Sunderland are seriously considering such a high-profile target shows the club’s growing financial strength, strategic planning, and desire to compete at the highest level.
Whether or not Openda arrives at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland’s intent is clear—they are not in the Premier League just to survive. They are here to make a statement.