Sunderland’s pursuit of Dynamo Kyiv striker Vladyslav Vanat appears to be facing serious doubts, according to the journalist who first broke news of the Black Cats’ interest. The 23-year-old forward has been at the center of transfer speculation in recent days, with Sunderland, as well as Premier League sides Fulham and Leeds United, reportedly eyeing the Ukrainian international.
Earlier reports from Express Sport indicated that Sunderland were the only club to have officially approached Dynamo Kyiv regarding Vanat’s availability. Kyiv, for their part, are reportedly determined to keep hold of the striker as they prepare for Champions League qualification. In line with this, reports emerged from Ukraine suggesting that Dynamo had raised Vanat’s price tag from £17.1 million to around £21.4 million.
However, Ukrainian journalist Mikhail Spivakovsky has moved to dismiss the notion of a sudden price hike. Speaking to TaToTake, with his comments later relayed by UA Football, Spivakovsky described the rumours of an increased asking price as “absurd,” stating, “Insider information that Dynamo want €25m for their striker instead of €20m is simply absurd, as if to say: ‘Clause? No, we haven’t heard of it.’” He clarified that Vanat’s contract includes a release clause set at €20 million, which outlines the terms of payment and deadlines.
Despite clarifying the contract situation, Spivakovsky also cast doubt on the likelihood of Vanat ending up at Sunderland. He added, “The clause just needs to be activated. That is, to find a justified need to spend such money on this particular player. If we are talking about Sunderland, then this doesn’t look like an obvious transfer.”
Meanwhile, Sunderland’s sporting director Kristjaan Speakman shed light on the club’s broader recruitment ambitions during a recent Foundation of Light breakfast event. Speakman confirmed that he had been traveling recently to meet with potential signings, stating, “From a club’s perspective, we’re not naive to what the Premier League is. We understand that our strategy to get here is going to be different to what is required to stay here.”
He continued by emphasizing the club’s long-term vision: “Our objective has never just been to get to the Premier League… it’s always been about re-establishing ourselves. So what we need to do now is go on the next part of that journey and think about establishing ourselves over the next three or four years—and hopefully build to a point where we can be involved at the top end of the league.”
Speakman concluded by reaffirming the club’s active approach in the transfer market: “We’re trying to recruit players for that.”
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