Marc Guiu to leave Chelsea for Sunderland! Newly-promoted Black Cats strike deal to land Blues star on loan days after confirming Granit Xhaka deal

Chelsea FC v FC Noah - UEFA Conference League 2024/25 League Phase MD3

Sunderland's ambitious summer transfer window is set to continue after striking a loan deal for Chelsea striker Marc Guiu.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Fabrizio Romano claims that the Chelsea youngster will head on a season-long loan to the newly-promoted Premier League side, but there is no option to buy the former Barcelona academy player. This comes shortly after the Black Cats signed Swiss veteran Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen in another statement signing.

Hull City v Sunderland - Pre-Season Friendly

THE BIGGER PICTURE

In a time when all three promoted teams have been relegated straight back down to the Championship for the past two years, Sunderland, Leeds, and Burnley, arguably, face a tougher task than ever to survive in the Premier League. The established teams have such a huge advantage financially, thanks to TV deals and merely staying in the Premier League, making the gap between England's two top divisions more and more vast. The Mackems have spent around €130 million (£112m) on signings so far, and while that is an eye-catching amount, realistically, they have to go big if they want to maintain their top-flight status.

DID YOU KNOW?

Guiu, 19, joined Chelsea from Barcelona last year for a reported fee of €6m and since then, he has scored six goals in 16 appearances for Enzo Maresca's team. But most of his game time came in the Conference League, so this move represents a big opportunity for the teenager to shine.

Marc Guiu

WHAT NEXT?

Spain Under-19 international Guiu, who made just three Premier League appearances last season, could make his Sunderland debut when they begin their 2025/26 top-flight campaign at home to West Ham on August 16.