Leeds, Sunderland Pursue Multiple High-Value Premier League Transfers

Sunderland are actively pursuing several transfer targets ahead of the Premier League season, including interest in former Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone from Wolverhampton, valued between £5 million and £10 million. Additionally, Sunderland and Leeds United are exploring a potential free transfer for Croatian midfielder Mario Pašalić, whose contract at Atalanta ends soon, with both clubs keen to bolster their squads with experienced players. Leeds United have confirmed their interest in Noah Sadiki, a young midfielder from Union Saint-Gilloise valued around €20 million, while also strengthening their defense by signing Slovenia international Jaka Bijol and striker Lukas Nmecha. Leeds are also closely monitoring Lukas Ullrich, a promising Germany under-21 defender, amid uncertain futures for current left-backs Junior Firpo and Sam Byram. Meanwhile, Roma is negotiating the sale of Nikola Kristovic, a Montenegrin striker, with Leeds reportedly offering around £23 million plus bonuses to bring him to the Premier League. These moves illustrate both Sunderland’s and Leeds United’s proactive approach to assembling competitive squads for the upcoming English top-flight campaign.