What Xavi’s said about Marc Guiu will be music to ears of every Sunderland fan
Sunderland are closing in on the signing of Chelsea attacker Marc Guiu, who is set to join on loan.
Guiu joined Chelsea from Barcelona last year, but the 19-year-old found his game time at Stamford Bridge limited.
Chelsea believe in Guiu’s long-term potential, though, and see the value in the 19-year-old getting more game time in the Premier League at Sunderland next season.
The Spaniard is joining a host of other young players at the Stadium of Light, but his inexperience is unlikely to hold him back, and the Black Cats could be landing a gem.
Guiu’s breakthrough at Barcelona wowed Xavi
Before his move to the Premier League, Guiu broke through into the Barcelona first-team in the best way possible, as he scored on his debut for the Catalan giants.
With Barcelona struggling to break Athletic Club down in October 2023, Guiu came on and netted the only goal of the game within just 33 seconds of entering the pitch.
Midfield legend Xavi was managing Barcelona at the time, and oversaw Guiu’s breakthrough into a team containing superstars such as Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha.
- Guiu scored on his La Liga debut against Athletic Club and on his Champions League debut against Royal Antwerp
- Chelsea bought Guiu last summer after Xavi left his role as Barcelona manager
The attacker found himself between La Masia and the first team, but speaking two months after his debut (via Barca Blaugranes), Xavi explained that he saw Guiu as a future star for Barcelona.
“As for Guiu, I have a lot of faith in him,” Xavi stated in January 2024.
“He will continue to have opportunities. I like him, he has many qualities. The signing of Roque has nothing to do with it.
| Games | Goal contributions |
| 48 | 20 |
“We have talked a lot about Marc. He has the level for the first team. There is great competition, but I like him.
“Courage, faith, attitude, he is a leader. I like having him in training and as part of the squad. He gives me security.”
Despite Xavi’s faith in him, the World Cup winner stepped down from his role at the end of the season, and this cut Guiu’s breakthrough short as he ended up at Chelsea.
Guiu can show potential at Sunderland
Guiu has faced limited opportunities to shine ever since his stunning breakthrough at Barcelona, and his first season at Chelsea was a mixed one.
Although he was hardly given a chance in the Premier League, the teenager shone as Chelsea won the Europa Conference League, scoring six goals in seven appearances.
Whenever he has been on the pitch, Guiu has shown that he is a sharpshooter capable of finding the back of the net, and this bodes very well for Sunderland.
Although Guiu will compete with fellow Spaniard Eliezer Mayender and Wilson Isidor for a spot upfront, he will be handed opportunities in a side where many young talents have thrived.
Regis Le Bris’ priority will be to keep Sunderland in the Premier League, but Guiu can help in this regard while developing his own game.
If given more minutes, he can finally show the goalscoring potential which made him such a highly-regarded talent for Xavi at Barcelona.
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