Sunderland Eye Season-long Loan For This Chelsea Sensation: Great Move For All Parties Involved | OneFootball

If a recent report from BBC Sport is believed to be true, Sunderland are keen on having Marc Guiu on a season-long loan. But they are not alone in the race, with two more clubs keeping tabs on the Chelsea centre-forward. Star-studded Blues are open to sanctioning a summer exit, but only on a straight loan with no buy-back clause or salary split, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

After a brief stint with Barcelona’s famous fan club, PB Sant Celoni, the 19-year-old Spanish youth international joined the esteemed ranks of La Masia in 2013. He progressed through the academy ranks before representing their youth side in Primera Federación during the 2023–24 campaign. Guiu made seven senior appearances across competitions, and the London giants snapped him up last summer for a fee in the region of €6m.

Why Chelsea Are Open To Loaning Him Out

The young striking sensation netted 6 times in 16 outings [stats via Transfermarket] in his maiden season. However, all goals, including a hat-trick against Shamrock Rovers, were scored in the UEFA Europa Conference League. He was hardly involved in the Premier League, and the World Champions have since roped in Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens to bolster the frontline, further jeopardising Guiu’s gametime at Stamford Bridge.

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 19: Marc Guiu of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal and completing his hat-trick during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Chelsea FC and Shamrock Rovers FC at Stamford Bridge on December 19, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Sunderland are going strong this summer, having secured a dramatic return to the top flight by defeating Sheffield United in the playoff final. While they lost two of their promotion heroes, Tom Watson and Jobe Bellingham, gaffer Regis Le Bris has been handed an astronomical transfer war chest to survive relegation. They have already splashed out around £125m for several first-team signings, and are also closing in on NEC Nijmegen custodian Robin Roefs, which would take their spending close to £140m.

Why Sunderland Must Step Up The Chase

Although the Black Cats must focus on strengthening their deep defence, Guiu would offer a different kind of threat compared to Simon Adingra and Chemsdine Talbi, the other attacking recruits, who are expected to operate from the flanks.

Le Bris is heavily reliant on Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda in terms of spearheading the Sunderland attack. Despite being efficient in the Championship, the young and exciting forward duo might struggle to attune to the standards and expectations of Premier League football.

Guiu, on the other hand, is a classic ‘number 9’, who offers physical and aerial threats in and around the box. His high work ethic, pace and finishing traits could see him flourish in Wearside, thus helping the Mackems meet their season goals and staking a claim in Enzo Maresca’s plans. Having the Spaniard on loan would save funds to invest in the defensive third.