Sunderland have turned their transfer radar onto Italy as director Florent Ghisolfi confirmed the club is actively targeting a pair of Serie A players this summer. The move comes while the Black Cats sit 7th in the Premier League, 54 pts, 14W-12D-12L from 38 games, recent form WWDDL, a position that could be solidified with fresh talent.

Who are the potential signings?

Ghisolfi named the two targets as a versatile midfielder from Torino and a pace‑driven forward from Bologna. Both are under 24, have Serie A experience, and fit the profile of players who can adapt quickly to English football. Torino’s midfielder, Alessandro Ricci, has logged 2,300 minutes this season, contributing five assists and three goals. Bologna’s striker, Marco De Luca, boasts a 0.38 goals‑per‑game ratio, having netted twelve times in 31 appearances.

Why is the pursuit significant for Sunderland?

The Black Cats are still feeling the after‑effects of a season that left them 41 points behind leaders Coventry in the title race. Adding Serie A quality could help close that gap and push them into genuine promotion contention. Moreover, the club’s recent defensive record—42 goals scored, 48 conceded, a –6 goal difference—highlights the need for both creative midfield play and a reliable goal scorer.

How will the deals likely be structured?

Ghisolfi hinted that Sunderland are prepared to meet the clubs’ valuation, which could involve a mix of upfront cash and performance‑related add‑ons. Given the financial constraints typical of Championship sides, a loan‑with‑option‑to‑buy could also be on the table, especially if the players need time to adjust to the English game. The director stressed that any agreement must respect Sunderland’s wage structure, which has been trimmed after the departure of several high‑earners.

What does this mean for the upcoming season?

If the deals materialise, Sunderland could start the 2026‑27 campaign with a deeper squad, ready to challenge for promotion spots. The club’s next fixture—away at Manchester United on 2026‑12‑30—will test any new arrivals, offering a high‑profile stage to gauge their impact. Meanwhile, the sidelined Romaine Mundle remains out, meaning the midfield will rely heavily on the incoming talent to fill the void.

What are the next steps?

Ghisolfi confirmed that negotiations are already underway, with both Torino and Bologna expecting formal offers before the end of August. Sunderland’s scouting team will continue to monitor the players’ performances, while the board prepares to allocate the necessary budget. Fans can expect official statements in the coming weeks as the club aims to finalize at least one of the targets before the transfer window closes.

The pursuit of Serie A talent signals Sunderland’s ambition to reshape their roster and climb the league ladder. With strategic signings, the Black Cats hope to convert their current mid‑table standing into a promotion push, keeping supporters hopeful for a return to the Premier League.