Report: Sunderland ‘ready to pay’ €20m to sign Real Madrid star | OneFootball

Sunderland Eye Ambitious Move for Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Garcí

Sunderland are preparing what could become one of the most ambitious transfer pursuits  this season, with reports from Get Football News Spain linking the Wearside club with Real Madrid forward Gonzalo García. The 21-year-old, who has been on the fringes of Xabi Alonso’s first-team setup at the Bernabéu, is now being tracked by several English sides, including Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Emerging Target with Untapped Potential

García’s reputation has been steadily growing since his standout performances at the Club World Cup last year, where he earned a brief first-team opportunity under Alonso. However, as reported, the Spanish striker has “badly struggled for game-time” this campaign. Sitting behind Kylian Mbappé in the central attacking hierarchy, he has managed only one start in all competitions, prompting inevitable speculation about his future.

Photo: IMAGO

“According to sources consulted, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Wolverhampton have been the first to contact the white club, showing a clear willingness to negotiate.” The reported fee of around €20 million demonstrates the level of interest and belief in García’s long-term potential.

Sunderland’s Statement of Intent

For Sunderland, pursuing a player of García’s pedigree represents more than just ambition—it signals a club looking to accelerate its project. After re-establishing themselves in the Premier League, the Black Cats have shown a clear strategy of targeting emerging European talent capable of bridging the gap between youth promise and first-team readiness.

In García, they would be acquiring a forward who has trained alongside world-class players and gained invaluable experience at one of football’s most demanding clubs. A source close to the discussions reportedly said, “Sunderland see García as a forward who can grow with the club, bringing technical finesse and composure that few at his age possess.”

Villa and Wolves Add Premier League Competition

Sunderland’s challenge will be convincing García to commit to a project. Aston Villa and Wolves have both been credited with interest in the forward too. Villa, now pushing for European places under Unai Emery, and Wolves, who are looking to fight off relegation under Rob Edwards, both view García as a player capable of making an immediate impact.

Each of the three clubs would reportedly “be willing to fork over around €20 million to bring Gonzalo in in January,” highlighting how highly regarded the player remains across Europe.

Real Madrid’s Decision to Make

Whether Real Madrid sanction a sale or opt for a loan remains to be seen. Xabi Alonso has placed faith in youth since arriving in the Spanish capital, but with Mbappé and Rodrygo occupying key attacking roles, García’s path to consistent minutes appears blocked. For Sunderland, this could be a rare opportunity to secure a forward with Champions League potential before his value soars.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Sunderland supporter’s perspective, this kind of report is exactly what fans have been hoping to see. The club’s recruitment in recent years has been intelligent but cautious, and a bold move for Gonzalo García would represent a real statement of belief in the direction Sunderland are heading.

Many supporters would point to the club’s recent struggles converting dominance into goals as justification for targeting a technically gifted striker. García’s poise on the ball and ability to operate across the front line could make him an ideal fit for the attacking style Regis Le Bris has encouraged.