Sunderland Signs Another After Granit Xhaka

Marc Guiu might not be a household name just yet, but the young forward has already had a few admirers in his short time at Chelsea. He was signed from Barcelona in 2024 for a fee of €6 million, and while his Premier League minutes were limited to just three substitute appearances last season, he made the most of his chances in Europe. In the UEFA Conference League, Guiu scored six goals in just nine appearances, proof of his talent and how if it’s polished, it can help him become a superstar. 

Chelsea clearly see long-term value in the Spain Under-19 international. Despite letting him leave for the season, the fact that Sunderland weren’t allowed a purchase clause says a lot. He still might be in Enzo Maresca’s plans, but with attacking competition fierce at Stamford Bridge, this loan gives Guiu the perfect platform to prove he’s ready for more.

it’s not just a half-hearted development loan either, Sunderland will be covering his full wages. That’s a real show of belief in the teenager, especially considering there was strong interest from other clubs including Leeds United, Ipswich Town, RB Leipzig, and Real Sociedad. The Black Cats fought off serious competition to get this one over the line, and they’ll be hoping it pays off handsomely.

A Gamble, But A Necessary One

Pairing Guiu’s energy with Xhaka’s experienced head in midfield shows exactly the kind of balance Sunderland are going for. They know staying up won’t be easy. In fact, it’s probably never been tougher. All three promoted clubs were relegated straight back to the Championship over the last two seasons, a harsh reality that underlines how big the gap has become between the Premier League and the second tier.

So Sunderland are doing something about it. So far, they’ve spent around €130 million (about £112 million) in this transfer window. On paper, that’s massive for a club just coming up, but in practice, it’s a necessity. The Premier League isn’t forgiving, and financial muscle often decides who sinks and who swims.

Guiu might not have bags of Premier League experience, but he brings something Sunderland need, fresh legs, hunger, and an eye for goal. He’s strong, works hard off the ball, and doesn’t shy away from a physical challenge.  At 19, he’s got that fearlessness that can sometimes turn games in your favour.

Xhaka, on the other hand, is all about control. After his stint at Bayer Leverkusen, and years of ups and downs at Arsenal, he arrives as a midfield general, someone who’s been in the trenches of English football and knows how to dig in when needed. 

Can Sunderland Make It Count?

Sunderland kick off their Premier League return at home against West Ham on August 16, and fans will be hoping that Guiu makes an immediate impact. The teenager has a golden chance to become a regular starter, something he could only dream of at Chelsea last season. It’s a big step up, no doubt, but it’s also a big opportunity.

Relying on a young player to help carry the attacking load always carries risk. This loan isn’t about expecting Guiu to be the finished product; it’s about giving him a platform to grow. If he clicks with the team and adapts quickly to the Premier League pace, he could become one of the surprise success stories of the season.

Sunderland, meanwhile, have no illusions about the challenge ahead. Surviving in the top flight requires more than a few good signings. By moving early and decisively in the market, especially with two very different but equally essential additions in Xhaka and Guiu, they’ve shown they’re not here to make up the numbers.