(Credit: Imago)

Sunderland given blessing in disguise amid Calvert-Lewin transfer bombshell

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

Published on:

05 Aug 2025, 11:00 am

Sunderland are closing in on a new striker at the Stadium of Light ahead of the Premier League season.

Regis Le Bris' side have agreed a deal with Chelsea for Marc Guiu, who is set to join on a season-long loan.

Le Bris already has Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor within his ranks, but competition is needed.

Now, in a remarkable turn of events, there has been news of an astonishing move for free agent Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Guiu is nearing a Sunderland switch (Credit: Manh Tung)

Sunderland made Calvert-Lewin approach

It has been a summer of bizarre transfer stories, with Aleksandar Mitrovic linked with a move to the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats have aimed big in the transfer window, breaking their record transfer fee twice.

Furthermore, the acquisition of Granit Xhaka has got everybody talking about the North East club's aspirations.

Now, it has emerged that Sunderland made an ambitious play for Calvert-Lewin, according to talkSPORT (5 August).

Calvert-Lewin left Everton on a free transfer
Leeds United and Newcastle United held talks for the 28-year-old
Sunderland were willing to offer the striker a move

They report that the Black Cats were willing to offer the striker a move to the Stadium of Light following his release by Everton.

However, the 28-year-old reportedly wants to keep his options open in the hope that a club higher up the Premier League food chain comes in for him.

Calvert-Lewin is still without a club (Credit: Imago)

Black Cats dodge Calvert-Lewin bullet

While being snubbed is never nice, the Wearsiders will not feel too disheartened by the Calvert-Lewin news.

The forward only netted three Premier League goals last term and missed a hefty chunk of the season through injury.

Indeed, over the years, his impact has declined, and he appears to be a shadow of his former goalscoring self.

Season	Appearances	Goals
2022/23	17	2
2023/24	32	7
2024/25	26	3

The forward's statistics from the last three seasons

While Calvert-Lewin reportedly held talks with Leeds and Newcastle, the fact that he remains a free agent tells a story.

Sunderland need players who will be present and not those who are likely to be consistently absent through injury.

Furthermore, the former Sheffield United man would likely command a substantial wage, emphasising the point that he is not worth a punt.

With Guiu nearing a move to the North East, the Wearsiders will be better off without Calvert-Lewin.

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Dominic Calvert-Lewin