Junior Firpo delivers verdict on Sunderland’s transfer business amid Leeds United rivalry

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Leeds United and Sunderland will be direct rivals when it comes to fighting for Premier League safety at the end of next season, and a big part of who comes out on top is being conducted now.

Leeds and Sunderland have both completed seven new signings this summer, when The Black Cats are in a position to announce Granit Xhaka. The former Arsenal ace is on Wearside to complete a £17m transfer.

Sunderland have spent considerably more than Leeds so far, splashing around £120m on new players. Having missed out on Igor Paixao, Leeds are stuck at the £80m they have parted with on seven additions.

But interestingly, Sunderland have signed three players that Leeds had either bid for or held talks to sign before Regis Le Bris’ men pounced. It has seen Leeds fans tease Sunderland for ‘copying their homework’.

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Junior Firpo has his say on Sunderland’s transfer activity

Simon Jordan says that Leeds have a strong chance of survival, but Sunderland’s hopes of remaining in the Premier League hinge on the success of their work in the market. Xhaka is certainly a real coup.

Firpo of course, has left Leeds this summer on a free transfer to join Real Betis. Typically, Betis are over in England to face Coventry City and Sunderland, and Firpo told Mucho Deporte what to expect from them.

Firpo also had his say on Sunderland’s deals: “I know Coventry well; they’re a tough team. Sunderland seemed like the best team we played. They’ve strengthened well, so they’ll be two very difficult matches.”

Which three Sunderland signings did Leeds try to sign?

Leeds and Sunderland have been linked with many of the same players this summer. Even Lucas Perri was touted with a move to Wearside before Leeds struck and lured the giant Brazilian to Leeds for £15.6m.

But three of Sunderland’s signings were on Leeds’ radar. The Whites tabled a £22m bid for Habib Diarra, before Sunderland got him for £30m. Leeds bid £11m for Noah Sadiki, before Sunderland spent £17m.

Reinildo Mandava is a different case, with the Mozambique international joining Sunderland on a free. But Leeds held talks to land the left-footed ace from Atletico Madrid before Sunderland announced his deal.