Chelsea striker joins Sunderland on season-long loan deal with special clause | Football

Chelsea have announced that Marc Guiu has joined Sunderland on a season-long loan deal for the 2025-26 Premier League season.

A special clause has been inserted, with Sunderland being forced to pay Chelsea a ‘financial penalty’ if Guiu doesn’t hit a certain appearance threshold, according to reports.

The move is likely to catch the attention of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) players, given that the striker is available to buy for just £4.5m in the game.

Sunderland were promoted to the top-flight last season after winning the Championship play-off final and host West Ham in their first match of the 2025-26 season, with the Black Cats then facing Burnley and Brentford.

Guiu made 16 appearances for Chelsea last term after he was signed from Barcelona and netted six goals, becoming their top scorer in the Conference League.

The 19-year-old featured twice for Chelsea at the Club World Cup this summer as the Blues went on to land the trophy.

Marc Guiu: This year is a huge opportunity

‘I’m feeling great and really looking forward to the season ahead,’ Guiu told the Sunderland website.

‘I see myself as a powerful striker, who can make a difference on and off the ball, and I pride myself on being a natural goalscorer.

‘This year is a huge opportunity for me to help take this team where it truly deserves to be, and I can’t wait to get started.’

‘Competition for Guiu’s signature was significant’

Sunderland’s sporting director Kristjaan Speakman added: ‘In a loan acquisition, we not only have to convince the player but also the parent club, and we thank Chelsea for placing their trust in us.

‘Most importantly, Marc wanted to come to Sunderland and be a part of our club.

‘The competition for his signature was significant, and he had many high-quality options this summer, so we are delighted he’s joined Sunderland.

‘Marc’s a progressive striker who has key attributes that align with the role in our team.

‘In addition to providing a threat in the final third, we believe there are many other ways he can impact games, and we look forward to helping him do that throughout the 2025-26 season.’

Chelsea, meanwhile, said in a statement: ‘We look forward to supporting and monitoring Marc’s development throughout his loan at the Stadium of Light.’

Guiu came through Barcelona’s academy and the teenager has played for Spain at U17 and U19 level.

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