Sunderland are in the race to sign midfielder with £33m release clause

Sunderland are in the race to sign midfielder with £33m release clause Sunderland Tracking Stefan Dzodic as Atletico Madrid Lead Midfield Race Sunderland are among the clubs monitoring Stefan Dzodic, with Atletico Madrid currently leading the chase for the highly rated Almeria midfielder, according to TeamTalk. The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the more intriguing young operators in the market, and there is a growing sense that his situation could gather pace over the months ahead. Dzodic, a Serbian international born in France, is under contract at Almeria until 2032 and has a €40million, £33m, release clause. That figure, allied to Almeria’s secure negotiating position, means any suitor will need to move seriously if interest turns into action. As reported, Atletico have already “opened discussions with the player’s representatives”, a notable development even if the move is being shaped with 2027 in mind. The Spanish side see him as a long-term investment and are working early. That alone tells its own story. When a club of Atletico’s level starts laying foundations well in advance, it usually reflects conviction in both the talent and the trajectory. The report adds that “Atletico are as it stands are best placed to sign Dzodic”, which places the Premier League clubs watching him in a reactive position for now. IMAGO Stefan Dzodic on Sunderland shortlist Sunderland’s interest is described as genuine, even if not yet advanced. Bournemouth, Brentford and Brighton are also in the frame, with all four English clubs having tracked his development since his 2025 free transfer from Montpellier and his “growth into a regular in Almeria’s midfield”. For Sunderland, that kind of profile makes sense, young, upwardly mobile, physically strong and tactically flexible. Dzodic is said to have “impressed with his physical presence, composure on the ball and ability to play in both defensive and more attacking midfield roles”. At 6ft3in, he offers stature, but the more relevant detail is that he appears comfortable across different midfield functions. That broad skill set is often what drives competition in this section of the market. Atletico Madrid pressure could shape next move There is no indication yet that Sunderland are close to making a formal move, and Almeria are under no pressure to sell in January unless the clause is triggered. Still, the picture is clear enough. Atletico’s activity has elevated the situation and may force others to decide whether they are merely monitoring or preparing to act. This season, Dzodic has made 10 appearances in all competitions, recording one goal and one assist. He has also made his senior Serbia debut, another factor that has “further raised his profile”. Sunderland will know they are not alone here, but they remain in a race that looks open, competitive and worth watching closely. Our View This is exactly the sort of link that grabs attention because it feels ambitious without drifting into fantasy. A £33m clause is huge money by Sunderland standards, so nobody is pretending this would be straightforward, but it says plenty that the club are being mentioned around this level of talent. If Dzodic is genuinely on the shortlist, then the recruitment team clearly believe Sunderland can shop in stronger company now. The Atletico angle is the part that sharpens everything. If they are already talking to his representatives, then there is obvious danger of this becoming one of those stories where Premier League interest is real but secondary. Still, there is encouragement in the line that “a move to the Premier League has not been ruled out”. That keeps the door open and, in truth, playing in England may yet prove a major pull if the project is convincing enough. What stands out most is the profile. Height, composure, positional flexibility, senior international recognition, those are traits Sunderland need more of if the aim is to build a side that can grow quickly and cope physically. The price makes it feel unlikely today, but recruitment is often about timing and pressure. If Atletico hesitate, if Almeria’s promotion push changes, or if Sunderland decide this is the one worth stretching for, then things can move fast. For now, it is a serious name to file away and keep watching. Source: TeamTalk