Sunderland Leading the Chase for Matias Soule as Fulham Interest Fades, €30m Deal Could Be Within Reach
Matias Soule has become one of Sunderland’s top transfer targets this summer, and recent developments suggest the newly promoted Premier League side may be in pole position to secure his signature. The Argentine attacker is attracting growing interest across Europe, but reports indicate he has already made his preferred destination clear, with Sunderland now holding an advantage over Fulham in the race for the talented Roma forward.
Interest in Soule has been building steadily in recent weeks, with Sunderland’s sporting director, Florent Ghisolfi, playing a major role in the club’s pursuit. Ghisolfi knows the 23-year-old exceptionally well from his time working at Roma, where Soule arrived from Juventus on a permanent transfer during the summer of 2024. Having watched the player closely on a daily basis, Ghisolfi remains convinced that Soule possesses far more potential than he has shown so far in Italy.
Although the Argentine has experienced an inconsistent spell in the Italian capital, largely because of injuries and fluctuating form, there remains widespread belief that he is capable of developing into one of Serie A’s standout attacking talents. Across the past two seasons, Soule has been directly involved in 25 goals, an impressive return considering the interruptions he has faced. Many inside the game believe those numbers could have been significantly higher had he enjoyed a longer run of full fitness.
Roma are now open to selling the attacker as they look to generate funds through player sales and improve their financial position. That situation has handed Sunderland a genuine opportunity to complete what would be one of the club’s biggest signings in recent years.
Fulham Lose Ground as Sunderland Become Preferred Destination
According to reports from Corriere dello Sport, Soule is expected to be one of the most sought-after players in Roma’s summer transfer window. His representatives have already opened discussions with both Sunderland and Fulham as they explore possible destinations for the winger.
However, the latest information suggests the player is far more interested in joining Sunderland than making the move to Fulham. Roma are currently demanding around €35 million for the Argentine, while Soule has already turned down lucrative offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia. His priority remains continuing his career in European football, and Sunderland appear to have become his preferred choice.
One of the biggest attractions for the player is Sunderland’s qualification for European competition next season under head coach Regis Le Bris. The opportunity to compete on the continental stage while playing a prominent role in an ambitious project is believed to have significantly strengthened Sunderland’s position.
Another Italian newspaper, Il Messaggero, reports that Roma may eventually accept a lower fee of around €30 million if negotiations progress positively. That reduction could make the transfer considerably more achievable for Sunderland, who continue to monitor the situation closely.
The publication also claims that Soule is effectively “waiting for Sunderland” before making any final decision, with offers from Saudi Arabia deliberately left on hold while he waits to see whether the Black Cats can reach an agreement with Roma.
Soule Offers Uncertainty Over His Roma Future
Speculation surrounding the Argentine’s future intensified when he returned to Roma’s training centre ahead of pre-season preparations. Members of the Italian media questioned him directly about whether he expected to remain with the club next season.
Rather than offering reassurance, Soule admitted that he is uncertain about what lies ahead.
He responded:
> “Should I stay at Roma? I don’t know, I just got back.”
His brief but revealing answer has only added further weight to suggestions that a summer departure is becoming increasingly likely.
Sunderland Could Secure a Player Ready for the Next Step
Everything surrounding the situation indicates that momentum is building towards Soule leaving Roma this summer. The Italian club are eager to secure a profitable sale, while the player’s representatives continue working to identify the best possible destination.
For Sunderland, this represents an excellent opportunity to recruit a footballer who already has valuable experience at one of Europe’s biggest clubs. Although his development has not progressed quite as rapidly as many predicted following his move from Juventus, Soule’s natural talent has never been questioned.
The Argentine is widely recognised for his outstanding dribbling ability and confidence in one-on-one situations. Comfortable operating on either wing as well as through the centre in an attacking midfield role, he offers the tactical flexibility that could make him an ideal fit for Regis Le Bris’ style of football.
Soule has also demonstrated an ability to produce decisive performances in high-pressure matches, showing composure and creativity against strong opposition. His versatility, technical quality and attacking intelligence would provide Sunderland with another dynamic option as they prepare to compete both domestically and in European competition next season.
With Roma willing to negotiate, the player’s preference seemingly leaning towards Wearside, and Sunderland’s hierarchy actively pushing to complete the transfer, a deal worth around €30 million is beginning to look increasingly realistic. If negotiations continue on their current path, the Black Cats may soon secure one of the most exciting young attacking talents available during this transfer window.
