Alious
Sunderland are reportedly keeping a close eye on one of Argentina’s most exciting young talents, with fresh reports from South America suggesting the Black Cats have joined the race for highly rated youngster Bruno Cabral.
The River Plate prodigy has been making waves across youth football, drawing widespread attention for his prolific scoring record and standout performances. Still only 15, Cabral recently stole the spotlight at the prestigious Messi Cup, where he finished as the tournament’s leading scorer. His contribution proved decisive, as he netted both goals in the final to secure a 2–0 victory over Atlético Madrid. By the end of the competition, he had amassed seven goals in just five appearances, earning him the Player of the Tournament award.
The Messi Cup itself featured an elite lineup of youth sides, including Manchester City, Chelsea, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Inter Miami, Newell’s Old Boys and Atlético Madrid, further underlining the significance of Cabral’s achievement on such a prominent stage.
His exploits at the tournament were far from a one-off. Cabral has been remarkably consistent across multiple levels, scoring 13 goals in nine outings for Argentina’s youth national teams. At club level, his numbers are equally eye-catching: 26 goals in 26 matches for River Plate’s Ninth Division during 2024, followed by an impressive 34 goals in 28 games in the Eighth Division.
Such performances have not gone unnoticed at home. Upon returning from the Messi Cup, large crowds gathered to welcome him back, reflecting the growing excitement surrounding his rapid rise.
According to *Diario Río Negro*, Sunderland are among several clubs tracking Cabral’s progress, alongside German heavyweights Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen. While the forward is unable to sign a professional contract until he turns 16, *Diario Registrado* report that River Plate have already placed a staggering €100 million release clause on the teenager, highlighting how highly they value his potential.
Speaking about his style of play, Cabral has outlined a well-rounded attacking profile. He explains that he enjoys dropping deeper to help initiate moves or recover possession, while also making diagonal runs to threaten defences. He prides himself on his pace, power and ability to take on opponents in one-on-one situations, combining dribbling skill with physical strength. While goals are a key part of his game, he also emphasises teamwork, noting his willingness to link play and create chances for teammates through assists.
With elite clubs circling and expectations rapidly growing, Cabral’s development will be closely watched — and Sunderland appear keen to ensure they remain firmly in the conversation.
Alious
