How Sunderland can seal a more exciting signing than Grealish

Second-season syndrome has claimed many lives in the Premier League. Sunderland do not want to be another mark in that logbook, and they need to prove that they can rally and make headway after such a remarkable return to the big time.

Last year’s seventh-place finish has opened up the European dancefloor for Regis Le Bris and his side, who spent freely last year but have been far more circumspect in their spending this time around.

Sunderland commentator Nick Barnes spoke of the “great trust” he has in the squad to avoid a dreaded tumble down the ladder and back into the Championship. Reaching 40 points is the primary objective, and from there, the Black Cats can build.

Le Bris is operating with a core squad cultivated one year ago, but he needs more support in attack, with Manchester City’s Jack Grealish emerging as a surprise contender to reinforce Le Bris’ frontline.

How Jack Grealish compares to Sunderland’s forwards

Grealish is one of the most prominent names in the Premier League. One year ago, signing him might have felt like a half-hearted lunge at a big name past their sell-by date, but he was resurgent at Everton last season.

This is a playmaker with the perfect skillset for a side like Sunderland. Signing him will not be easy, though.

You can see why Sunderland are keen. Only the three relegated outfits recorded less xG (expected goals) than the Wearsiders last year, and they didn’t create enough big chances.

For Everton, he scored two goals and provided six assists across the Premier League season. He created two chances and won 5.3 duels per game each term.

Sadly, though, Fabrizio Romano has stated that there is nothing concrete in the interest right now. Aston Villa and Everton are both in talks to sign the 30-year-old Three Lions star, and it’s crucial that Sunderland leave themselves enough time to pivot to an alternative target.

Sunderland could make a better signing than Grealish

Grealish seems to favour a return to Everton, where he spent last season on loan, should he leave Man City before next week’s transfer deadline.

According to Thursday’s edition of A Bola, via Sport Witness, Sunderland are at risk of missing out after a summer of pressure to try and sign Sporting CP winger Geny Catamo, with the Portuguese giants confident that the right-sided forward will stay at the club.

Sunderland and Sporting appear to have hit an impasse. Catamo will be going nowhere unless his €40m (£34m) price tag is met. The Black Cats have already seen a series of offers knocked back.

Hailed for his “incredible” quality down the wing by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the “King of Lisbon” is a powerful runner with an edge in the area. He has scored 21 goals and supplied 18 more across 140 appearances for the Portugusese side.

Catamo might have only scored six goals in the Liga Portugal last season, but he has started the new term in fine fettle indeed (perhaps hoping to impress curious suitors?).

Indeed, after three games, he has registered three assists, winning 5.7 duels and completing 2.7 dribbles each game. There is certainly something Grealish-esque about that skillset, and the fact that he is naturally disposed on the right flank suggests that he aligns with the area that Sunderland need to strengthen most.

Catamo has the skills and athleticism that Sunderland need to kick on in the Premier League.

Defeat at Ipswich on the opening day of the term served a sobering reality check for Le Bris and his outfit. There is work still to be done this summer, and there are signings still to be made.

Signing a right winger is a must, and in Catamo, Sunderland could be onto a winner.