Sunderland are reportedly interested in signing Oscar Mingueza as a free agent this summer, according to journalist Matteo Moretto. The 27-year-old is available after his contract with Celta Vigo expired.
Mingueza is a versatile defender capable of playing in multiple positions, including right-back, centre-back, and both wing-back roles. He has earned four caps for the Spanish national team during his career. Several other clubs have also expressed interest, with Atalanta and Como also reportedly enquiring about his availability.
The former Barcelona player was previously linked with a move to several Premier League clubs earlier this year, including Newcastle United, Everton, and Aston Villa, as reported by Graeme Bailey of TEAMtalk. Interest extended to top-six sides, with intermediaries approaching Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool regarding a potential deal in April, as Bailey also revealed.
Meanwhile, Sunderland are also holding firm on their stance regarding Granit Xhaka, rejecting an initial £8 million bid from Chelsea. Manager Xabi Alonso is believed to be personally keen on bringing Xhaka to Stamford Bridge, having previously worked with the Swiss midfielder at Bayer Leverkusen. However, the club has reportedly informed Xhaka that they expect him to honour the remaining two years of his contract, according to sources cited by TEAMtalk. Xhaka himself is reportedly considering the prospect of a move to Chelsea, a rival of his former club Arsenal.
Securing Mingueza would bolster Sunderland’s defensive options ahead of the new season, offering manager Michael Beale tactical flexibility. Maintaining Xhaka’s presence would represent a significant retention of a key player for the Black Cats.
