“Deal Done Imminent”- Sunderland now make approach for £13k-p/w defender with 25 UCL appearances
Sunderland Make Move for Champions League Veteran Amid Summer Rebuild
Sunderland have officially made a move to sign experienced international defender Reinildo, according to journalist Ben Jacobs. The Atletico Madrid left-back, who boasts 25 Champions League appearances, is attracting attention from several clubs as the summer transfer window heats up.
Transfer Funds Boosted by Bellingham Departure
The Black Cats are preparing for their Premier League return with money in the bank, following the high-profile departure of Jobe Bellingham. The 19-year-old midfielder completed a club-record £32 million switch to Borussia Dortmund, mirroring the career path of his brother Jude.
While losing Bellingham is undoubtedly a blow for new head coach Régis Le Bris—especially after the youngster played 43 matches across all competitions last season—the substantial fee now provides Sunderland with the means to reinforce their squad.
Midfielder Tommy Doyle of Wolves has already been identified as a potential Bellingham replacement, but Le Bris is also prioritizing reinforcements at left-back.
Sunderland Target Atletico’s Reinildo
Earlier this week, Aston Villa’s Alex Moreno was named as a possible target following his return from a loan at Nottingham Forest. But now, Sunderland have shifted focus to Reinildo, who is set to become a free agent after the upcoming Club World Cup.
Jacobs reports that Sunderland have joined the race for the 31-year-old, with Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, and clubs in Saudi Arabia and Turkey also expressing interest. However, with Reinildo’s contract winding down and wages reportedly around £13,000 per week, Sunderland could find themselves in a strong position to strike a deal.
Reinildo Looking for a Fresh Start
The Mozambique international has struggled for playing time at Atletico Madrid, having not featured in La Liga since March. With his contract expiring and first-team minutes hard to come by, a summer move looks inevitable.
Sunderland, now back in the Premier League, could offer Reinildo a new challenge and a regular starting role. Bringing in a player with top-tier experience—including 25 Champions League appearances—would be a smart addition for a club looking to establish itself in the top flight.
Though some may question whether Reinildo is past his prime, pundit Zach Lowy previously described him as a “talented” player, suggesting there’s still plenty he could offer at a club like Sunderland.
Only time will tell if the Black Cats can fend off competition and complete what could be one of their most experienced signings of the summer.
