Sunderland have joined the chase for Almeria midfielder Stefan Dzodic, and they’ll have to get past Atletico Madrid to land him. TEAMtalk say the 21-year-old is on the radar of several Premier League clubs, with Bournemouth, Brentford and Brighton keeping tabs as well.
None of the English sides has made a bid. Atletico are the ones doing the groundwork, with early talks already held with the player’s camp about a move in 2027.
Almeria aren’t under any pressure to cash in. Dzodic is tied to a contract until 2032 and his release clause is €40m (about £33m), so there’s no reason for them to take less. They’re also chasing promotion to La Liga, which makes a January sale unlikely unless somebody pays the full amount. Summer looks the more realistic window.
Dzodic was born in France to Serbian parents and joined Almeria from Montpellier on a free in 2025. He’s been a regular starter since. At 6ft 3in he can play as a deep-lying midfielder or push on into a more advanced role.
He’s made 10 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring once and setting up one more, and he won his first senior Serbia cap earlier this term.
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You can see why Sunderland like him. He’s 21, 6ft 3in and already capped by Serbia. But £33m is a lot to pay for a midfielder with ten games, one goal and one assist this season, and Almeria clearly know what he’s worth to them. If Atletico are already talking to his people, Sunderland are playing catch-up.