Sunderland Eyeing Summer Swoop For This Ukrainian Attacker: Why They Must Tie Him Down Ahead Of Fellow Suitors | OneFootball

If a report from TaToTake (as quoted by the Sunderland Echo) is believed to be true, Sunderland are eyeing a summer move for Vladyslav Vanat. But the Black Cats are not alone in the hunt, with Premier League opponents Everton, Fulham, and Leeds United also keeping close tabs on the Dynamo Kyiv centre-forward.

The 23-year-old Ukrainian international spent his academy years with DYuSSh-2 Kamianets-Podilskyi and Dynamo Kyiv before making his senior debut for the Blue & Whites back in May 2021. He was sent on loan to fellow top-tier outfit Chornomorets Odesa for regular gametime, and the minutes with the Sailors helped him cement a starting role in Kyiv from the 2022-23 season onwards.

Vanat gradually emerged as the first-choice ‘number 9’ and his numbers improved significantly, as he netted 21 times and laid on 9 more last season in 45 appearances across competitions. The youngster finished the UPL campaign with 17 goals, thus playing a key role in their thrilling league win over FC Oleksandriya. While the lure of Premier League football is too hard to turn down, he is expected to take part in Dynamo Kyiv’s Champions League qualifiers before plying his trade in England.

GENK, BELGIUM – MARCH 23: Vladyslav Vanat #21 of Ukraine and Zeno Debast #2 of Belgium battle for possession in the second half of the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A/B Play-offs second leg match between Belgium and Ukraine on March 23, 2025, in Genk, Belgium. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)

Sunderland scripted a dramatic top-flight return after 8 years when they defeated Sheffield United in a thrilling promotion play-off final. However,  Tom Watson, who grabbed an injury-time winner, already secured a £11m move to Brighton & Hove Albion. Régis Le Bris suffered another significant blow following Jobe Bellingham’s £32m transfer to Borussia Dortmund, but the conversion of Enzo Le Fée’s loan into a permanent deal is indeed a welcome boost.

Why Sunderland Must Snap Up The Attacking Ace

Moreover, the exits have enabled the French boss to continue the spending spree towards a summer rebuild, and the Black Cats, therefore, are preparing a bid of up to £16.8m for the striking ace. Although they have Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor, ex-Sunderland star Tore Andre Flo urged the club to grab another centre-forward to challenge and cover the duo high up the pitch.

Le Bris often fielded a 4-4-2 with Mayenda and Isidor lining up together. Le Fée has also been deployed as a forward, but the versatile Frenchman is more effective as a playmaker. Vanat would offer depth as well as quality while spearheading the attack, and his exquisite poaching traits might bolster the Wearsiders in their battle for survival.