Report: ‘Terms agreed’ as Chelsea star set for January move to Sunderland | OneFootball

Sunderland target Chelsea striker return as January plans take shape

Sunderland’s ambition shows no sign of slowing

For Sunderland, progress has been swift, confident, and unapologetically ambitious. Their return to the Premier League was never going to be about survival alone. Under Regis Le Bris, they have blended youthful energy with tactical precision, and their 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea on 25 October was more than just three points. It was a statement of intent.

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Nine games into the campaign, the Black Cats sit fourth in the table, with five wins, two draws and two defeats. It is the kind of start that has ignited belief on Wearside and, according to Football Insider, plans are already in motion to reinforce that momentum when the January transfer window opens.

Chelsea striker lined up for Sunderland return

One player firmly on Sunderland’s radar is Marc Guiu, currently back at Chelsea following a brief summer loan that was cut short due to Nicolas Jackson’s transfer to Bayern Munich. Guiu made seven appearances for Chelsea this season, three of which were starts, but his path to consistent minutes looks increasingly blocked following Liam Delap’s recovery from injury.

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Former Sunderland and Manchester United scout Mick Brown told Football Insider: “The thing is with Chelsea, there are so many players on their books. It gives the manager a lot of options, which is fine, but it means a lot of the players don’t get a look in, because he’s got his starting XI pretty much nailed down.”

Brown continued: “As a young player, you have to be playing games. That’s the most important thing. So if you get the opportunity to go and play somewhere, you have to take it. A move back to Sunderland would make a lot of sense, of course, because he’s already agreed terms when he made that move in the summer.”

Reinforcements for a rising force

Sunderland’s summer outlay of £165 million reflected a club determined to compete rather than merely participate. The pursuit of Guiu reinforces that philosophy. For Le Bris, it is about maintaining balance between talent development and the hard realities of Premier League consistency.

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With the squad already showing cohesion and depth, the potential return of Guiu could provide the cutting edge needed during the demanding winter schedule. The Stadium of Light hierarchy view the January window not as a repair job, but as an opportunity to strengthen a project that has found its rhythm.

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After years in the wilderness, the Black Cats are finally playing like they belong among England’s elite. The thought of bringing back Guiu, a player who has already shown flashes of promise, will add a surge of excitement to an already electric season.

Many supporters remember how comfortable Guiu looked during pre-season, how his movement and work rate fit seamlessly into Le Bris’ system. The idea of seeing him return, this time with more maturity and motivation to prove himself, fits perfectly with the club’s current trajectory.

There is also pride in how Sunderland are handling their business. No panic, no desperation, just targeted ambition. Beating Chelsea 2-1 away was a symbolic victory, but building sustainably off the pitch is what excites fans most.

Guiu’s potential return embodies Sunderland’s broader ethos: invest smartly, back youth, and never be intimidated by reputation. As January approaches, the fans will be watching closely, not out of fear of collapse, but with genuine belief that this side can continue to grow.