'Race against time' - Sunderland make late move for ex-Aston Villa ace from Ajax
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Credit: Imago
Ben Palmer
Mon 1 September 2025 18:10, UK
Sunderland are looking to make a late move for a former Chelsea and Aston Villa man currently plying his trade with Ajax.
The Black Cats arrived in Premier League from the unenviable position of being the Championship playoff winners this summer.
However, Regis Le Bris’ side has shown a clear desire to stay for the long term in England’s top-flight with their business this window.
Sunderland had spent over £140million prior to deadline day, and they have since agreed a loan deal for RB Leipzig’s Lutsharel Geertruida and Ajax striker Brian Brobbey.
And with time running short, the Black Cats are making one last push to bolster their squad before the window closes.
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Bertrand Traore departed Aston Villa in February 2024, joining Spanish side Villarreal.
The former Chelsea youngster spent half a season with the Yellow Submarines before making the move to Ajax, where he has really found his form again.
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Traore scored 10 goals and assisted eight in 49 appearances last term as the Dutch giants finished runners-up in the Eredivisie.
And according to ESPN, Sunderland are pursuing a late deal for the Burkina Faso international.
The move would allow Ajax to bring former striker Kasper Dolberg back to the Johan Cruyff Arena, although the Black Cats and Dutch side are facing a “race against time” to conclude a deal.
Football Insider Verdict
If there’s one thing Sunderland has shown this summer, it’s that they are not resting on their laurels.
Many sides would be inclined to bank the life-changing revenue the Premier League can offer and slowly build over time.
But Sunderland aren’t most sides, and they are clearly building with a vision of becoming a mainstay in the division.
(Credit Imago)
Nothing illustrates that more than the reaction to Marc Guiu being recalled by Chelsea due to Liam Delap’s injury.
It would have been easy for Sunderland to simply take a chance and go into the season down an attacker, but the Black Cats have responded by doubling down by signing one, and pursuing another forward.