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Marcin Bułka Edging Towards Saudi Switch Despite Premier League Interest

Marcin Bułka looks set to continue his career away from Europe, with a transfer to Saudi Arabia’s NEOM SC gathering momentum. Despite interest from several Premier League clubs, including newly-promoted Sunderland, the Pole is on the verge of turning his back on England’s top flight in favour of the growing Saudi Pro League project.

As first reported by Meczyki, Nice have already accepted a formal bid from NEOM SC for the 24-year-old goalkeeper. With just one year remaining on his current contract, Bułka has reportedly made it clear that he is ready for a new challenge.

“Everything indicates that he will continue his career in Saudi Arabia,” Meczyki stated, suggesting that the transfer could be finalised imminently. Although there were serious discussions with Sunderland, the financial power and appeal of Saudi football appear to be tipping the scales in NEOM’s favour.

Photo: IMAGO

Sunderland Pushed for Bułka Amid Premier League Return

Sunderland’s interest was concrete and well-timed. The Wearside club, buoyed by their dramatic 2-1 win over Sheffield United in the Championship Play-Off Final, have re-entered the Premier League with clear ambition. Sources suggest the club conducted “advanced negotiations” with Nice in an effort to make Bułka their number one for the upcoming campaign.

The Black Cats are understood to be in the market for a top-level goalkeeper to anchor their return to the top division. Bułka, who has top-flight experience in France and previously had stints at Chelsea and PSG, ticked several boxes for the club’s recruitment team. But with NEOM SC’s lucrative proposal and Nice’s acceptance, Sunderland’s hopes are now hanging by a thread.

Saudi Arabia Continues to Attract European Talent

The Saudi Pro League continues to draw attention with its aggressive recruitment drive, often turning players’ heads with generous financial packages and the promise of a new lifestyle. Bułka would join an expanding list of players who have opted to swap the traditional strongholds of European football for the Middle East.

It is believed that personal terms with NEOM SC are in advanced stages, and all that remains is for Bułka to give the green light.

What Bułka’s Decision Could Mean for Nice and Sunderland

For Nice, offloading Bułka now makes strategic sense. With only a year left on his deal and the player seeking a move, cashing in is a rational move to avoid losing him for free next summer. Sunderland, however, may need to pivot quickly as their return to the Premier League demands urgent squad strengthening, particularly between the posts.

As Meczyki highlighted, “Bułka’s contract with Nice is valid for only one more year. The Pole makes it clear that he would like to change his surroundings. It will happen soon.”

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Sunderland supporters, this update will sting. The club’s pursuit of Bułka showed clear ambition, and securing a goalkeeper with Champions League squad experience would have been a major statement. After years in the wilderness, fans were beginning to believe that the new project could attract serious talent, and Bułka’s profile fit that narrative.

Still, there’s a growing understanding that competition from Saudi clubs is now a real factor for Premier League sides, even historic ones like Sunderland. “If we’re competing for keepers with these Saudi clubs now, we’ve got to get smart and fast in the market,” said one Sunderland fan outside the Stadium of Light this week. “Bułka would’ve been perfect for us, but if he’s off for the money, we move on. We’ve got to look for players who want to be part of this journey.”

Many fans are still optimistic. The play-off final win reignited belief, and the recruitment team has done well in recent windows. While Bułka may not be the man between the sticks in August, the club’s intent is clear and, with Premier League football on offer, Sunderland’s pull factor remains strong.