Liam Duckstein
Sunderland are wasting no time in the summer transfer window, reportedly opening negotiations with OGC Nice over a bold move for Polish international Marcin Bulka. The 25-year-old goalkeeper could be a marquee addition to Regis Le Bris’s squad as the Black Cats prepare for life back in the Premier League.
Fresh off their Championship playoff triumph, Sunderland are bookmakers’ favourites for relegation. The sale of Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund has been a setback, but the resulting £27.8 million cash injection offers them real clout in the market. Reinforcements in central midfield remain a top priority, but Sunderland may also be eyeing a game-changing shift between the posts.
Bulka the Target: Romano Reports Talks Underway
According to reputable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Sunderland have initiated discussions with Nice regarding the potential acquisition of Bulka. The shot-stopper was a consistent presence in Ligue 1 last season, recording eight clean sheets and conceding only 41 goals in 34 appearances — contributing to Nice finishing with the fourth-best defensive record in the division.
With 30 clean sheets in 89 outings for Nice and Champions League qualifiers on the horizon, Bulka remains a key figure at the Allianz Riviera. However, with his contract set to expire in 2026 and no extension yet agreed, Nice may be open to offers in the region of £16 million.
Strategic Gamble or Pure Profit Play?
On paper, Bulka’s potential move to the Stadium of Light raises eyebrows. As arguably Ligue 1’s second-best goalkeeper behind Gianluigi Donnarumma, a step down to a relegation battle in England’s top flight seems counterintuitive.
Adding further complexity is the presence of Anthony Patterson, Sunderland’s current number one and a homegrown product with 168 senior appearances by age 25. For Sunderland to actively pursue Bulka suggests a calculated move — possibly a strategic sale of Patterson to capitalise on his market value and adhere to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability (P&S) regulations.
Whether this bold approach signifies Sunderland’s ambition to shed their underdog label or simply a financial maneuver to balance the books, fans will be watching this story closely. Either way, bringing Bulka to Wearside would mark a significant statement — on the pitch and in the boardroom.