Sunderland have pulled off a stunning transfer coup, beating Leeds United to secure the signature of 19-year-old Chelsea striker Marc Guiu on a season-long loan, with a medical scheduled for August 2, 2025. The Black Cats, fresh off their Championship playoff promotion, have moved swiftly to bolster their attacking options for their Premier League return, with the Spanish youth international set to become their ninth signing of the summer. Guiu, who scored six goals in 16 appearances for Chelsea in the 2024-25 season, was a target for Leeds, who had pursued him since January, but Sunderland’s promise of regular playing time and ambitious project under head coach Regis Le Bris swayed the decision.
Guiu, a former Barcelona academy product signed by Chelsea for £5 million in 2024, brings a dynamic presence with his 6-foot-2 frame, aerial prowess, and clinical finishing. His standout performances in Chelsea’s Conference League campaign, including a goal against Anderlecht, showcased his potential, but limited minutes behind Joao Pedro and Liam Delap prompted his loan move. Sunderland’s recruitment strategy, emphasizing young, high-potential talents, aligns with Guiu’s profile, as seen in their recent signings of Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki, both of whom were also linked with Leeds. Le Bris praised Guiu’s “hunger and physicality,” noting his fit in a squad that includes veterans like Granit Xhaka and emerging stars like Chris Rigg.
Leeds, also promoted to the Premier League, had tabled a loan offer for Guiu, hoping to pair him with their attacking core of Joel Piroe and Willy Gnonto. However, Sunderland’s aggressive transfer approach, with nearly £100 million spent this window, and their vision of building a competitive squad for survival tipped the scales. Guiu’s arrival fills a critical gap left by the loan departure of Tommy Doyle and the sale of Matheus Cunha to Manchester United for £62.5 million. The Spaniard’s versatility to play as a lone striker or in a front two alongside Eliezer Mayenda offers tactical flexibility for Le Bris’s 4-3-3 system.
The signing marks Sunderland’s fourth instance of outmaneuvering Leeds this summer, following deals for Diarra, Sadiki, and a reported interest in Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Garcia. Guiu’s loan, which includes an option to buy for around £15 million, positions him as a potential long-term asset if Sunderland avoid relegation. As the Black Cats prepare for their Premier League opener against West Ham on August 16, 2025, Guiu’s addition signals their intent to make a mark in the top flight, with the young striker eager to prove himself in a competitive league.[](https://www.leedsunited.news/transfers/sunderland-set-to-beat-leeds-united-to-a-fourth-player-with-medical-now-booked/)
