Sunderland have made contact with Portuguese giants Benfica over a possible deal for winger Dodi Lukebakio.
It's been a relatively quiet summer for the Black Cats following their remarkable return to the Premier League where they finished seventh and qualified for the UEFA Europa League.
Defender Thomas Meunier was the only addition to Regis Le Bris' squad until Jules Ahoka arrived on Wearside in a £8.6m deal from Royal Antwerp, and Sunderland were further bolstered by the acquisiton of Dayann Methalie from Toulouse on Monday.
The Black Cats are far from finished as we approach the closing stages of the window and while a deal for Lyon's Malick Fofana hangs in the balance with Crystal Palace attemptingto hijack the move, Sunderland are exploring options elsewhere.
According to transfer insider Sacha Tavolieri, Sunderland are attempting to strike a "last-minute deal" for Lukebakio, who is understood to be keen on the move to the Stadium of Light.
Lukebakio has been on the books at Benfica since making the switch from La Liga side Sevilla on deadline day last year in a deal worth up to €24million.
The start of his career at the Estádio da Luz was derailed by a broken ankle which kept him sidelined until the end of February, and the 28-year-old returned to make 17 appearances in all competitions under Jose Mourinho.
Lukebakio was included in Rudi Garcia's 26-man Belgium squad for the 2026 World Cup and the right winger came off the bench against Iran and Senegal before making his only start of the tournament during the 4-1 triumph over co-hosts USA in the last-16.
With Marco Silva taking over on the red half of Lisbon, Lukebakio has been restricted to substitute appearances in Benfica's opening three matches of the 2026/27 Primeira Liga season.
Lukebakio had a spell with Watford earlier in his career, but made just one appearance for the Hornets before joining Hertha Berlin on a permanent basis in August 2019.
The Anderlecht academy graduate shone in the Bundesliga, netting 28 goals and registering 17 assists in 100 appearances for Hertha before earning a switch to Sevilla in August 2023.
A new right winger is high on the agenda for Sunderland with full-back Trai Hume operating in the position during their two opening Premier League fixtures against Ipswich Town and Fulham.
