Sunderland are ‘Leading the Race’ to Sign £21m Striker | OneFootball

Sunderland Take Lead in Pursuit of Vladyslav Vanat

Sunderland’s Premier League return may only just have been secured, but the club’s ambition is already evident. According to the Express, the Black Cats are now leading the chase for Dynamo Kyiv forward Vladyslav Vanat, with formal discussions already underway between club representatives and the player’s camp.

It’s a decisive move. “Up to now, Sunderland are the only Premier League side holding formal talks with Vanat’s camp,” Express Sport reported, underlining just how proactive the Wearsiders have been.

Sunderland’s promotion via a tense play-off final victory over Sheffield United triggered what now appears to be a long-laid plan to target Vanat. The Ukrainian international, only 23 years old, has drawn admiring glances from across Europe thanks to his prolific form in Ukraine’s top tier.

Player Profile Matches Club Ambition

Vanat’s CV is already impressive. He’s scored 27 goals in 67 appearances for Dynamo Kyiv and earned 11 international caps for Ukraine, finding the net twice. He came through Dynamo’s academy, making his senior debut as a teenager before establishing himself as a regular starter in 2022.

While some may see the Ukrainian league as a significant step below the Premier League, Vanat’s raw numbers, work ethic, and European experience, particularly in the Europa League, suggest a forward with room to grow.

As the Express notes, “there is an expectation that a speedy agreement would be reached on personal terms if common ground can be found club-to-club over a transfer fee.”

That common ground, though, is proving elusive.

Photo: IMAGO

Transfer Talks Hinge on £21m Valuation

The sticking point is price. Dynamo Kyiv have reportedly slapped a £21million valuation on Vanat, despite the forward never having played club football outside Ukraine. “Dynamo are demanding as much as £21million for Vanat,” the Express wrote, and there’s little indication they’ll settle for less.

The club are understandably keen to keep their talisman for the upcoming Champions League qualifiers, starting 22 July. Additionally, replacing a striker of Vanat’s calibre is made even more complicated by the challenging political situation in Ukraine.

For Sunderland, who are still adjusting financially to Premier League life, this creates a dilemma. Overpay, and they risk a costly misstep. Wait too long, and another suitor could emerge.

Squad Building Under Le Bris Enters Key Phase

New manager Régis Le Bris has the unenviable task of building a competitive Premier League squad in a short window. The Frenchman will want to avoid being overly reliant on Wilson Isidor, who was the club’s top scorer in the Championship last season with 13 goals.

Vanat offers something different; a mobile, clever striker with international pedigree and significant upside. He could complement Isidor or eventually displace him in the starting XI.

Sunderland kick off their Premier League campaign against West Ham on 16 August, and the next few weeks will be crucial in determining what type of firepower Le Bris has at his disposal.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Sunderland fans have waited a long time to dream again. After years of struggle and Championship battles, promotion back to the Premier League under a progressive coach has reignited belief across Wearside.

The interest in Vladyslav Vanat symbolises that ambition. Here is a 23-year-old international forward, sought-after in Europe, with a real pedigree. That Sunderland are not only interested but actually leading the chase is no small thing.

Yes, £21million is a hefty fee for a player untested in the top five leagues. But as fans, we know that value is not always found in past performance but in future potential. If Vanat can offer energy, goals and a link with the crowd, he could become a cult hero at the Stadium of Light.

Most fans would agree the club shouldn’t throw money around recklessly. But this feels like a risk worth taking, a calculated gamble that speaks of a club no longer content to simply survive.

Whether he joins or not, the signal is clear: Sunderland are ready to think big again.