Sunderland closing in on new striker option once compared to Luis Suarez…

Sunderland is nearing a deal for a new striker who was once compared to Luis Suarez.

The Black Cats are poised to secure Chelsea forward Marc Guiu on loan.

Chelsea’s Marc Guiu is on the verge of joining Sunderland on loan.

The 19-year-old has drawn interest from several clubs, particularly Ipswich Town, but Chelsea preferred that the young talent gain experience in the Premier League, leading to Sunderland winning the competition for his signature.

Sunderland had also expressed interest in Chelsea’s Deivid Washington, who is currently on loan at Santos, but the acquisition of Guiu marks another significant achievement in what is shaping up to be a busy summer for the Wearside club.

Guiu was signed by Chelsea for £5 million from Barcelona last year and netted six goals in 16 appearances during his debut season at Stamford Bridge.

The young player will be the latest addition to Sunderland’s expanding squad, as Regis Le Bris embarks on a £135 million spending spree that has already brought in players like Granit Xhaka, Simon Adingra, and Enzo Le Fee.

The skilled forward found most of his success during the league phase of the Europa Conference League, scoring all his goals there, including a hat-trick against Shamrock Rovers.

Guiu made a significant impact in the Europa Conference League League phase but faced a lengthy injury absence last season.

Following that match, Joe Cole compared him to Luis Suarez, stating on TNT Sports: “I compared him to Suarez and received a lot of criticism for it. I’m not claiming he is Luis Suarez now, but he possesses that instinct and courage.”

Guiu’s development was interrupted by a hamstring injury that kept him out from February to May, but he returned just in time for the final against Real Betis, coming on as a late substitute.

He played a minor role in their successful Club World Cup campaign, participating against Flamengo and Esperance de Tunis in the group stage, and received his medal from US President Donald Trump.

In other news, Reinildo Mandava made his first start for Sunderland in Saturday’s 1-0 pre-season loss to Real Betis at the Stadium of Light.

The international player from Mozambique participated for 60 minutes as he continued to enhance his fitness in preparation for the 2025/26 Premier League season, playing on the left side of defense during a strong overall showing from Régis Le Bris’ team.

After the match, Mandava shared his thoughts on his debut at the Stadium of Light and his initial experience representing the Club on home ground.

“It was a significant moment for me,” he expressed to safc.com. “Playing my first match here, in this stadium, holds great importance.

It’s something I’ve anticipated since my arrival. It felt great to be out there wearing the shirt and beginning to forge that connection on the pitch.”

The defender, who arrived in Wearside earlier this summer, was substituted after the hour mark as part of Le Bris’ strategic rotation, aimed at enhancing fitness throughout the squad ahead of the Premier League season.

“I feel good,” he continued. “It was my first 60 minutes in quite some time, so it’s a crucial milestone for me.

I’m training daily to be prepared for the season’s start, and matches like this assist in my preparation. Physically, I’m progressing, and I’m increasingly grasping the team’s style.