It has been an ongoing trend all summer, but Sunderland are now set to beat Leeds United to a fourth summer signing with the addition of a Premier League striker on loan.
Of course, Leeds and Sunderland were always going to be linked with the same players at times, having both gained promotion to the Premier League. But, not many saw Sunderland doing what they have.
Fans have likened it to copying someone’s homework. Of Sunderland’s seven current signings, Leeds tried to sign three of them first. The first instance was Leeds tabling a £22m bid to sign midfielder Habib Diarra.
Then, Sunderland signed him for £30m. The next example also came in the form of a midfielder, with Noah Sadiki himself confirming Leeds made an offer. But Sunderland nabbed the midfielder for £17m.
Sunderland set to sign fourth player on Leeds United list
Both Leeds and Sunderland held talks to sign Reinildo Mandava after his Atletico Madrid deal expired. Mandava had to play 45 minutes in half of Atleti’s games during the 24-25 season, to get a new deal.
But prior to the Club World Cup, the Mozambique international only managed to do so in 17 of Atleti’s 55 games. He has since joined Sunderland and now, Sunderland are set to complete a deal for Marc Guiu.
Leeds were linked with Guiu in January, and that interest has remained from Leeds in Guiu this summer. Sunderland’s interest in Guiu emerged on Wednesday and Keith Downie now says a deal is complete.
He reports: “Sunderland have reached agreement with Chelsea for striker Marc Guiu. The 19-year-old has agreed to a season-long loan deal, as per our exclusive yesterday. Green light to travel for a medical.”
Marc Guiu was probably seen as Mateo Joseph’s replacement
Adam Underwood has sorted out the need for a new goalkeeper, brought in replacements for Max Wober and Junior Firpo while strengthening the back line with Jaka Bijol, and sorted the midfield.
But up top, plenty of work needs to be done. Mateo Joseph refused to travel to Germany and is pushing for a move, while Patrick Bamford has been told he has no future at Leeds beyond this summer.
Leeds have replaced Bamford with Lukas Nmecha, but Leeds need to replace Joseph and bring in a starting striker. Guiu would have been the ideal replacement for Joseph, but he’s off to Sunderland.
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