Sunderland to sign off on ‘Premier League gamble’ as record Vanat transfer agreed
Sunderland have enjoyed a fairly quiet start to their transfer window after securing promotion back to the Premier League.
The permanent acquisition of Enzo Le Fee has been the Mackems’ only foray into the transfer market so far, but Vladyslav Vanat looks set to be the next addition to Regis Le Bris’ squad.
Sunderland are understood to have agreed a fee for Vanat, who smashed in 21 goals in all competitions for Dynamo Kyiv last season.
The frontman has been away at the Under-21 Euros with Ukraine recently, and found the back of the net in their group stage victory over Finland.
Sunderland fans react as Sunderland agree £21.3m Vanat deal
With the Stadium of Light set to play host to top-flight football for the first time since 2017 when Sunderland welcome West Ham on 16 August, the Black Cats must be desperate to avoid a mistake which has been made by several newly-promoted sides in recent years.
Premier League newcomers have been rash and taken gambles with their money on several occasions, and the Wearsiders must be careful to ensure they don’t fall into the same trap.
Le Bris and Co. have been measured with their business so far, but their latest deal for Vanat looks like it will be a significant outlay.
Sunderland have agreed a fee of £21.3m for Vanat’s transfer, according to the Ukrainian outlet Sport.ua (20 June).
The recent purchase of Le Fee became Sunderland’s record transfer buy, but the Vanat deal looks set to eclipse that.
The Black Cats faithful have had plenty to say following news of the agreement, with a relatively mixed reaction on the whole. Some are excited by Vanat’s likely signing, while others point to his lack of experience as an issue.
Vanat could turn out to be an excellent buy
Sunderland’s spending power will have increased significantly now they are back in the Premier League, which should ensure that there is still plenty of room for more signings, despite Vanat looking like he will be a relatively lucrative signing.
| Season | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| 2024/25 | 45 | 21 | 6 |
| 2023/24 | 30 | 14 | 7 |
| 2022/23 | 36 | 13 | 4 |
| Total | 111 | 48 | 17 |
The concerns over his lack of experience are understandable, but Vanat has an excellent goal record in recent seasons, having reached double figures for league goals in each of the last three campaigns.
Fans will need to be patient with him as he adapts to the style and the intensity of English football, but if the 23-year-old can make that adaptation within the first few months, then Sundeland could have an extremely exciting player on their hands.
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