Credit: Imago

Josh Edwards

Wed 18 June 2025 13:27, UK

Kristjaan Speakman seems to be working his magic behind the scenes at Sunderland.

Now that Sunderland are aware of their Premier League fixtures, full attention will turn to the summer transfer window before pre-season gets underway.

As it stands, Enzo Le Fee remains their only summer incoming, though several others are expected at the Stadium of Light in the coming months.

With that in mind, Speakman seems to be looking in all of the right areas, and it could come at a cost for Leeds United.

Sunderland identify Jobe Bellingham replacement

With Jobe Bellingham now already thriving at Borussia Dortmund following his exit from Wearside, Sunderland will be well aware of the need to replace him, and according to a report from The Guardian (18 June), they may have identified the ideal target.

Strasbourg’s Habib Diarra has been linked with a move to Sunderland, though they face fierce competition from both Fulham and Leeds United, the latter of which are also in the market for a new midfielder.

The report also adds that the two newly promoted sides are keen on Celtic’s Cameron Carter-Vickers, with Japhet Tanganga another name mentioned.

Of course, not only would Sunderland be strengthening their own side with such additions, but they would also push Leeds off track in their pursuit of Premier League signings, boosting their chances of survival.

Premier League football will be a huge test for Sunderland

If the Wearsiders are to succeed in their attempts to avoid the drop, they simply have to recruit well this summer.

Signing the likes of Sam Greenwod will not take them to the required level, though additions like Diarra certainly could.

All eyes will be on the transfer window for the coming weeks, before the lads jet off to Portugal for pre-season.

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