Sunderland are closing in on a £30m move for Roma winger Matías Soulé after the Argentine delivered a seven-word exit hint at Rome airport. Soulé told reporters “Will I stay? Honestly, I don’t know” as he returned for Roma’s pre-season, casting fresh doubt over his future at the Serie A side. Sunderland, who finished seventh in the Premier League last season with 54 points from 38 games, are among the clubs pushing hard for the 22-year-old attacker.

What’s driving the interest?

Soulé’s agent Martin Guastadisegno has already held talks with Sunderland and Fulham over a potential switch, according to reports. Roma are believed to want around €35million for the winger—roughly £30million—while his remaining book value is listed at €15.5million, meaning a sale would deliver a tidy profit for the Italian club. Sunderland’s sporting director Florent Ghisolfi played a key role in bringing Soulé to Roma two summers ago, a link that could smooth any future negotiations if the club’s interest progresses.

Why Soulé fits Sunderland’s project

Sunderland finished seventh last season with a goal difference of -6 (42 scored, 48 conceded) and are chasing a top-six finish this time around. The Black Cats can also offer Europa League football after their seventh-place finish, adding extra appeal to any Premier League hopeful. Soulé’s direct style and Champions League experience—he made 41 appearances last season, scoring seven goals and providing eight assists—could give Sunderland the cutting edge in wide areas as Régis Le Bris plots his summer rebuild.

Next steps and rivals in the race

Fulham are also circling Soulé, while Roma’s asking price and the player’s own uncertainty over his future could see the window stay open longer than usual. Soulé joined Roma from Juventus for an initial €26million in 2024 after beating Leicester City to his signature, and a move to Sunderland would mark his second Premier League adventure in as many years. With the transfer window still open and Sunderland chasing a top-flight return, Soulé’s next move could shape their season before a December trip to Manchester United.

Sunderland currently sit seventh in the Premier League with 54 points from 38 games and a recent run of two wins, two draws, two defeats and a loss (WWDDL).