Published Aug 26, 2026, 4:10 PM GMT+1

Emilio is an experienced football journalist who has worked at Football FanCast for over six years, specialising in transfer analysis, Premier League reporting and the business of football.
 

After graduating with first-class honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn't take long for Emilio to begin his journalism career at Snack Media, now Valnet.
 

Emilio has a particular interest in football finance, recruitment and the business behind the modern game. In his spare time, you can find Emilio travelling the world, or even in a boxing ring.

The Black Cats have spent much of the final week trying to add a winger capable of carrying a greater attacking load for Régis Le Bris.

Their leading target has been Marseille’s Igor Paixão, whose direct running and ability to attack from the left would add a different threat to the side.

That pursuit has developed quickly, with Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie saying Sunderland have reached a verbal agreement with the Brazilian over personal terms.

Marseille rejected the opening club offer, but negotiations have continued rather than broken down.

Paixão only moved to France from Feyenoord last summer in a deal worth an initial £26 million. Marseille therefore have little reason to approve a cheap exit, especially with the player contracted until 2030.

Sunderland still see an opportunity though, and reports in Brazil suggest Marseille need to raise money before the deadline, while Paixão appears receptive to the move.

The 26-year-old also knows what it takes to perform in an intense, demanding team after winning the Dutch title and Dutch Cup with Feyenoord, and he was also named the Eredivisie Player of the Year for the 2024/25 campaign.

Sporting winger Geny Catamo has also been considered.

However, those discussions have proved difficult, leaving Sunderland to press ahead with Paixão while keeping other possibilities alive.

One of those possibilities is far more surprising.

Sunderland submit bid for Man City winger Jack Grealish

David Ornstein now reports that Sunderland have submitted a loan bid for Man City’s Jack Grealish.

The offer would require City to continue paying part of his salary, while creating a route for the move to become permanent when his contract expires next summer.

Grealish spent last season on loan at Everton and made a bright start before a foot stress fracture required surgery and ended his campaign in January.

He has since recovered and returned to City action, but his long-term place under Enzo Maresca remains uncertain.

The finances explain Sunderland’s proposed structure.

Grealish is widely reported to earn around £300,000 per week, a figure far outside their normal wage range. City covering a meaningful share would therefore be essential.

From a football perspective, the attraction is clear. Grealish protects the ball, draws fouls and gives his team control in advanced areas. He could provide calmness around Sunderland’s younger attackers and bring experience from Premier League title races and Champions League nights.

This is not being presented as an alternative to Paixão, either.

Sunderland are pursuing both players at the same time, suggesting Le Bris wants two major additions rather than one.

Completing either move would be ambitious, but landing both would be one of the biggest statements Sunderland have made since returning to the Premier League.