​Sunderland are intensifying their pursuit of Matias Soule, hoping to seal the Roma winger as their first summer signing in the coming days. The latest from the Northern Echo suggests that Soule’s future could be settled within the next week, with a growing expectation that an agreement is within reach. Talks between Sunderland and Roma have so far revolved around a figure in the region of €35 million, roughly £30 million, and while no deal is done yet, the prevailing sentiment is that the move remains very much alive. Senior figures at Sunderland are believed to be deeply involved, negotiating with Roma and trying to persuade Soule’s camp that Wearside is the right next step.
Sunderland’s message is straightforward. They are offering Premier League football, involvement in European competition via the Europa League, and a project under Regis Le Bris worth considering as the next step in his career. The 22-year-old has already been presented with several options this summer, so the club’s task is to demonstrate that this is a sporting opportunity capable of accelerating his development. There are already established connections at play. Soule’s agent, Martin Guastadisegno, has reportedly been in England for conversations with Sunderland and Fulham, while Sunderland’s director of football, Florent Ghisolfi, is known to the player’s representative from prior dealings in Italy. While these relationships do not by themselves finalize transfers, they can help ease the complex process.
Soule has since returned to Italy ahead of Roma’s pre-season, and when asked about his situation, he replied: “Will I stay? Honestly, I don’t know.” The brevity of that response belies the underlying uncertainty surrounding his place at Roma and aligns with reports that both the player and the club would welcome rapid clarity. For Sunderland, the appeal is clear. Soule is predominantly a right winger, a position in which the squad has long sought reinforcement, and he also brings flexibility to operate in central attacking roles. This versatility is valuable for a squad facing the dual demands of domestic competition and European football.
His track record at Roma helps explain the heightened interest. Last season he turned out 41 times across all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing eight assists as Roma secured Champions League qualification. Sunderland would be targeting a player with top-level experience, strong availability, and room for further growth. Financially, pursuing Soule would represent a major statement for the club. Roma signed him from Juventus for €26 million, about £22 million, two summers ago, and Sunderland are now exploring a deal that would exceed that figure. It is an ambitious move, but it aligns with the club’s recent market intent.
In addition to Soule, Sunderland have also shown interest in Tarik Muharemovic, the Sassuolo centre-back, as they seek to strengthen across the spine of the team. The recruitment drive reflects Sunderland’s broader strategy to build a squad capable of competing at a high level, both in the league and in European competition, while also delivering immediate impact in personnel who can enhance the team’s versatility and depth. As talks progress and clarity begins to emerge, the coming days could prove pivotal in determining whether Soule becomes Sunderland’s first summer signing and a catalyst for the season ahead.