n8rngtd.topAfter scouts sent back impressive reviews, Sunderland are now reportedly plotting a move to sign a 13-goal striker who’d be getting the biggest move of his career this summer.
Sunderland face transfer concern
As impressive as Regis Le Bris’ side have been this season, that success will come at a price if Sunderland fail to achieve promotion to the Premier League. The vultures are already beginning to circle around several key men, with both Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg linked to the likes of Manchester United and RB Leipzig in recent weeks.
Players of such talent are often destined for Europe’s leagues and often the Premier League, more specifically, making it crucial that the Black Cats battle through the play-offs before achieving the ultimate Wembley success.
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His exit would deal Le Bris a major blow.
By
Tom Cunningham
Mar 29, 2025
Despite recent reports, however, Le Bris has remained calm when it comes to both Rigg and Bellingham’s respective Sunderland futures. He told reporters back in March: “I think they are really mature, they are young but really mature because they didn’t show so far any weaknesses about their involvement in the club project.
“I think for young players it’s not obvious, it’s not easy because if you lose just one second in your mind the consequences on the pitch will be huge and so far they were still connected so they are really impressive.”
Of course, the other side to that problem is the fact that Le Bris has quite the side at his disposal. There’s a reason why both Rigg and Bellingham have been linked with some top clubs. The interest in their signatures simply reflect just how talented both young players are and if Sunderland can build around that talent for years to come, then they could achieve more than just promotion.
With that said, those at the Stadium of Light have already reportedly set their sights on one particular attacking addition.
Sunderland eyeing move to sign Tshegofatso Mabasa
According to South African news outlet Soccer Laduma, Sunderland are now plotting a move to sign Tshegofatso Mabasa from Orlando Pirates this summer after their scouts were left impressed by the striker.
At 28 years old, a move to Sunderland this summer would be the biggest of Mabasa’s career and one he would have undoubtedly earned after an excellent season in South Africa. The experienced striker has scored 13 goals in all competitions so far this season – following up on his 18-goal campaign last time out.
Mabasa’s arrival would instantly add key depth for Le Bris, who has recently played Rigg out of position next to Wilson Isidor in his Sunderland frontline. By signing another option, the Black Cats boss could quickly form a deadly strike partnership ready to either take the Premier League by storm or, indeed, take his side to promotion next season.
Whilst the Orlando Pirates striker wouldn’t steal too many headlines by completing a summer switch to the Stadium of Light, he could quickly emerge to become an unexpected boost if Sunderland make their move in the coming months.