​The memories of Sunderland’s heroics from last season still burn brightly in the minds of the fans, and the anticipation around a first European campaign in more than half a century is palpable. We’re currently living in something of a dream, with our wildest hopes already exceeded during a whirlwind 12 months. Yet, if we allow a touch of realism to creep in, it’s clear to anyone who watched the Lads last season that we desperately needed an out-and-out right winger. Throughout the campaign that position felt like a game of tactical musical chairs, with Trai Hume often operating out of position, while Chris Rigg also made cameos thanks to the recurring and predictably unfortunate injuries to the club’s sole viable option in that role, Bertrand Traoré, who has since left.
What we crave is a touch of magic, a dash of swagger down the right flank. Think of a player like Patrick Roberts at his peak, or Amad Diallo during his extraordinary loan spell—a disruptor, a creator, someone capable of unlocking stubborn defences. And now the latest name to surface from the Sunderland gossip mill over the summer is Matías Soulé. The Argentine has been making serious waves in Italy and has forced his way onto the radar of European scouts with his displays.
So, is he the real deal, or just another overhyped YouTube highlight reel? Matías Soulé Malvano, born in Mar del Plata, Argentina, is a 23-year-old left-footed attacking midfielder and wide forward currently plying his trade with Serie A giants AS Roma. Renowned for his dribbling prowess, creative flair, and set-piece expertise, Soulé has drawn comparisons with Ángel Di María.
Soulé’s journey began at Vélez Sarsfield’s academy before he moved to Europe to join Juventus’ youth system. His big breakthrough came on loan at Frosinone in Serie B, where he netted 11 goals and provided three assists across 36 appearances for the relegated club. That electric form earned him a move to AS Roma for a reported €28 million in the summer of 2024, and he has since emerged as one of Europe’s most dynamic wide players. With Roma, he has accumulated 81 appearances, scoring 12 goals and laying on 12 assists.
Although he has yet to win a cap for Argentina’s senior team, Soulé received his first call-up to the Albiceleste at the age of 18 when Lionel Scaloni selected him during his Juventus days, though he has not yet earned his first cap. His dual nationality, including Italian citizenship, also drew the attention of Luciano Spalletti in 2023. Despite an approach from the then-Italy boss, Soulé pledged his international future to Argentina.
If you judge Soulé by last season’s numbers, the profile looks incredibly enticing for those of us who love an entertaining, high-energy winger who can slice open defences and contribute in multiple ways. Saying he’s merely a good dribbler would be selling him short; he’s a player with the balance, pace, and vision to be a constant threat in the final third. And with the potential to add a layer of creativity that Sunderland has been seeking, he represents a compelling option to inject missing spark on the right side.
In short, Soulé is the kind of high-upside, attack-minded talent who could help transform Sunderland’s wide play from functional to formidable. If he can translate his Italian exploits into Premier League impact, his arrival could be the missing piece that keeps the dream alive and provides the ammunition needed to turn good campaigns into lasting memories.