AliousFabrizio Romano delivers Sunderland transfer twist as Marc Guiu recall looms ahead of deadline day**
Sunderland’s summer signing Marc Guiu could be on his way back to London sooner than expected, with reports suggesting his loan spell may be cut short amid an injury crisis.
The 19-year-old striker, who joined the Black Cats on loan from Chelsea earlier this summer, has impressed in his brief time at the Stadium of Light. Guiu scored his first goal in the Carabao Cup against Huddersfield and showed promise under Régis Le Bris, raising hopes he would become a key figure in Sunderland’s Premier League return.
However, *The Telegraph* reports that Chelsea are weighing up recalling the teenager after Liam Delap picked up an injury in their 2-0 win over Fulham. Delap is expected to be out for six to eight weeks, leaving the London side short of attacking options.
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has since confirmed that bringing Guiu back is “one of the options” Chelsea are seriously considering, with discussions expected to take place on deadline day. The complication is that Sunderland’s loan agreement does not include a standard recall clause, meaning both clubs would need to strike fresh terms if Chelsea are to bring him home.
Guiu, who arrived at Stamford Bridge from Barcelona last summer, already has European experience, netting six goals in the Europa Conference League last season. His departure would be a major setback for Sunderland, who had counted on him to strengthen their attacking depth in their top-flight campaign.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s striking plans remain fluid. Nicolas Jackson’s proposed loan move to Bayern Munich is now uncertain following Delap’s injury, while Sporting Lisbon forward Conrad Harder has emerged as a possible external solution. The clock is ticking, with talks over Guiu’s immediate future likely to continue right up to Monday’s 7pm deadline.
### **Le Bris optimistic over Dan Neil contract talks**
Away from the Guiu situation, Sunderland boss Régis Le Bris also gave an update on the future of midfielder Dan Neil, who has entered the final year of his contract.
Neil, 23, has long been regarded as one of the club’s brightest talents and reportedly turned down interest from the Premier League and La Liga earlier this summer to fight for his place in Sunderland’s midfield.
Although no new deal has been signed, Le Bris struck an optimistic tone, saying: “It’s the normal life of a player and a club. It is always a shared decision in the end. If he stays, then I will be happy because he is a good player and a good person. I still think there is a chance of progress.”
Sunderland remain hopeful that Neil will extend his stay at his boyhood club, but his future could yet become one of the key storylines as the season unfolds.
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