Sunderland are in advanced talks to sign Marseille forward Igor Paixao as they look to strengthen their attack before the transfer deadline. The move comes as their reported interest in Manchester City winger Jack Grealish has cooled, with the player now in discussions with Everton.
Regis Le Bris is seeking more firepower following the summer sale of Eliezer Mayenda to Rennes and an opening-day Premier League defeat to Ipswich Town. The club has already added left-back Dayann Methalie and midfielder Jules Ahoka this week, and a deal for the 26-year-old Brazilian Paixao is seen as a potential like-for-like replacement for Mayenda.
Personal terms have been agreed with Paixao, and negotiations with Marseille are progressing towards a verbal agreement on a fee in the region of £26 million. The versatile forward, who can play across the front line, scored six goals and provided six assists in Ligue 1 last season. His arrival would address a need for greater creativity and a third striking option behind Brian Brobbey and the newly-contracted Wilson Isidor.
Grealish pursuit ends
Meanwhile, hopes of a sensational move for Jack Grealish have been dashed. The Manchester City winger, who spent last season on loan at Everton, is now in talks over a return to Goodison Park. Sunderland are no longer involved in discussions for the 30-year-old, with Everton also possessing the potential advantage of including Iliman Ndiaye in a swap deal.
While the prospect of Europa League football at the Stadium of Light was a potential draw, Grealish appears set for a move elsewhere. This leaves Paixao as the primary attacking target in the final days of the window for sporting director Florent Ghisolfi.
The club's transfer activity, which began slowly with only the free signing of Thomas Meunier, has accelerated significantly. Fans on Wearside had grown concerned after several squad departures went unreplaced, but the recent flurry addresses key areas. Le Bris will hope the new signings can help improve on last season's 15th-place finish and handle a busy schedule that includes European competition.
The full squad list for the 2026/27 campaign is available on the squad page.
Sunderland's next match is a Premier League fixture at the Stadium of Light this weekend.
