Some clubs have a moment where the whole world suddenly sits up and takes notice.
Sunderland had it last season.
Seventh in the Premier League, and Europa League qualification.
Now they want to make another statement.
This one costs £30 million.
And it involves a player who lit up Serie A last season.
Sunderland in advanced talks to sign Matias Soule from Roma in £30m deal
According to The Northern Echo, Sunderland are working intensively to complete the signing of Soule, with the Black Cats hoping to make the 23-year-old Argentine their first major summer acquisition, and the player’s future expected to be resolved within the coming week.
Roma value Soule at €35 million.
Sunderland consider that figure reasonable and discussions have taken place between the clubs at a significant level.
The sense around the situation is that the move is very much alive.
Soule himself has returned to Italy ahead of Roma’s pre-season and, when asked directly about his future at the airport, delivered seven words that told their own story.
“Will I stay? Honestly, I don’t know.”
That isn’t the language of a player committed to staying.
Sunderland’s current sporting director signed Soule for Roma from Juventus in 2024 during his time at the Italian club.
Meaning he knows the player, his agent and the selling club in a way that no rival suitor can replicate.
Those relationships don’t complete transfers.
But they smooth the path considerably.
Soule is predominantly a right winger but can also play centrally, the kind of versatility that becomes essential when you’re balancing Premier League weekends with Europa League Thursday nights.
Fulham are the competition most worth noting.
Borussia Dortmund and Arab clubs had circled earlier in the summer without submitting formal offers.
The Premier League is where this ends up.
The only question is whether it ends up at the Stadium of Light or Craven Cottage.
And right now, the relationship advantage sits firmly with Sunderland.
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