Sunderland Make ‘Significant Progress’ For This La Liga Centre-back: Why They Must Get The Deal Done | OneFootball

If a recent transfer update from Italian journalist Luca Bendoni (as cited by Chronicle Live) is believed to be true, Sunderland are closing in on Omar Alderete over a potential summer move. The Getate centre-half has also been monitored by Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, but the Premier League newcomers have made ‘significant progress’ as per the latest report.

The 28-year-old Paraguay international progressed through the academy ranks of Cerro Porteño back in his homeland and eventually broke into their senior squad. He then plied his trade in Argentina to join Gimnasia y Esgrima on loan, and his impressive stint earned him a €1.38m transfer to Huracán in the summer of 2018. But he was on the move again a year later, with Swiss giants Basel securing his services for €1.70m.

MADRID, SPAIN – MAY 02: Omar Alderete of Getafe CF is challenged by Sergi Guardiola of Rayo Vallecano during the LaLiga match between Rayo Vallecano and Getafe CF at Estadio de Vallecas on May 02, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

After an impressive 2018-19 season, Alderete was roped in by Hertha BSC for €4m. The German side sent him out on loan in 2021, initially at Valencia, followed by Getafe. The latter tied him down on permanent terms in 2023, and the centre-back has featured regularly, having made 100 appearances for Azulones over the past three campaigns [stats via Transfermarket].

Why Sunderland Must Sign Him This Summer

The Paraguayan could become the Black Cats’ tenth summer signing since their top-flight promotion. They already have an exciting pool of young talent. Also, the addition of Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, Chemsdine Talbi, Simon Adingra, Marc Guiu and Robin Roefs should strengthen the first-team setup, given the top-flight experience they possess despite being in their early 20s.

Although Sunderland have also brought in the veteran trio Granit Xhaka, Reinildo Mandava, and Arthur Masuaku, the crisis in the heart of the backline might haunt them deep into the season in their battle for survival. The Wearsiders have been chasing Jhon Lucumí for a while, but they must not wait indefinitely for the Bologna defender.

What He Would Offer At The Stadium Of Light

With Mandava and Masuaku should challenge Dennis Cirkin down the left, Regis Le Bris has a decimated central defensive line amid injuries to skipper Luke O’Nien, and the young pair Aji Alese and Leo Hjelde. Chris Mepham, who had a towering presence last season while on loan from Bournemouth, is not expected to return to the Stadium of Light for a second successive term.

Alderete had his issues in terms of playing it out from the back, but his no-nonsense defending, aerial and physical presence, and the ball-carrying ability should bolster them in deep defence. The left-footed centre-back would offer more balance in Le Bris’ defensive third, and Sunderland, therefore, must step up the chase before next weekend’s season-opener.