Joe Cole has already tipped ‘unbelievable’ Sunderland signing to ‘go all the way’
Sunderland are showing the most ambition of all three promoted clubs, and former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has already tipped one of their new signings to reach the very top.
In the last two Premier League campaigns, every promoted club has been relegated back to the Championship, something Sunderland will be keen to avoid in 2025/26.
The Black Cats have shown incredible ambition in the transfer window by spending over £100million on nine new signings.
Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka is arguably Sunderland’s best addition, but the arrival of Brighton winger Simon Adingra and Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra aren’t too far behind.
Sunderland also completed the signing of Marc Guiu on loan from Chelsea on Wednesday, and Cole has already predicted big things for the Spaniard.
Joe Cole’s ‘unbelievable’ praise for Marc Guiu
To survive in the Premier League, teams require a clinical centre-forward, and Sunderland are hopeful striker Guiu can supply them with a source of goals.
Although the 19-year-old has only made three appearances in the competition for Chelsea, he was on fire in the Europa Conference League last term with six goals in seven appearances.
In a 5-1 win over Shamrock Rovers in December, the youngster netted a first-half hat-trick, and Cole was quick to praise Guiu, suggesting he can “go all the way” after being let go by Barcelona.
“My thought with Marc Guiu is, how did Barcelona let him go?’ Cole questioned on TNT Sports back in December 2024.
“When I watch him play, and he’s 18 years of age, this kid, in two years time could be an established, unbelievable number nine.
“I think he could go all the way, because I watch him and all the things that you can’t teach he’s already got.
“He knows when to go in the box, his instincts, his aggression, he’s brave. He can brush up on all the other things in his game. And at 18, he’s playing with a smile on his face, you know, I think Barcelona made a real, real mistake there.”
Guiu is excited about Sunderland loan move
Some will say that Guiu is unproven in the top-flight, but he possesses the electric pace and power that can set the tone in Regis Le Bris’ attack.
And speaking to Sunderland’s official website, the Chelsea loanee has labelled himself a ‘natural goalscorer’ and someone who can ‘make a difference’.
“I’m feeling great and really looking forward to the season ahead,” Guiu said. “I see myself as a powerful striker, who can make a difference on and off the ball, and I pride myself on being a natural goalscorer.
“This year is a huge opportunity for me to help take this team where it truly deserves to be, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Sunderland have been tipped to struggle next season, despite blowing teams away with their spending, but Guiu will be keen to ensure they don’t.