Sunderland are monitoring Athletico Paranaense striker Kevin Viveros ahead of the January transfer window, with Premier League rivals Aston Villa also in the picture for the Colombian forward. The 26-year-old is the leading scorer in Brazil's top flight, prompting both clubs to make initial enquiries over the summer.
A bid worth around £20 million was made for Viveros during the last window and turned down. His current club are now close to agreeing a new contract that would extend his stay beyond 2028, a move designed to protect his value. Should he sign that deal, Athletico Paranaense will demand a fee in the region of €30-40 million, which equates to up to £35 million.
Viveros' profile and career path
Kevin Viveros has netted 17 goals in 25 Brasileirão appearances this season. Described as a fast and direct forward who is lethal against higher defensive lines, his style has drawn comparisons to former Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins. He began his career as a winger with América de Cali and has since played for nine different clubs, including spells in Venezuela and Bosnia & Herzegovina before returning to Colombia with Atlético Nacional in 2024. He moved to Athletico Paranaense last year, where his conversion to a central striker has flourished. While dangerous in the channels and a predatory finisher, scouts note he lacks potency in the air and the physicality to act as a traditional target man.
Why Sunderland are looking
Sunderland's search for fresh firepower up front has been a persistent theme, having struggled to add a proven striker in the previous season. The late signing of winger Malick Fofana addressed a wide area but not the central role. With the team sitting 12th in the Premier League on four points from three games, adding a consistent goal threat could be key to consolidating their top-flight status.
The competition and context
Aston Villa's interest comes after a summer that saw their attacking ranks significantly depleted in what was described as a damaging fire sale, with key players like Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins departing. Saudi Arabian clubs have also shown interest in Viveros, adding another layer of competition. For Sunderland, the potential move aligns with a need to build a squad capable of competing at this level, as reflected in the current squad list. The club's next challenge is a trip to league leaders Manchester City on 20 September, a fixture that shows the level of opposition they now face weekly.
The January window presents the next opportunity for either club to formalise their interest, with the player's contractual situation and scoring form setting the stage for a possible bidding war. Sunderland's recruitment team will be weighing the substantial fee against the immediate impact a player of Viveros' profile could have on their Premier League campaign.
