Pape Gueye: Sunderland linked with Villarreal’s €40m-rated Senegal-France midfielder

Sunderland are being linked with a move for Villarreal’s Senegal-France central midfielder Pape Gueye, 27, who currently plays in LaLiga for the Spanish club.

Data from Transfermarkt indicates the Black Cats are exploring the possibility of bringing the left-footed midfielder to England from Villarreal, with the move listed as a rumour and the probability of completion marked as “?”. With no contract expiry date publicly recorded for Gueye at Villarreal, there is also uncertainty around whether he could move later as a free agent should his deal run down.

Gueye, who is valued at €40.00m, wears the number 18 shirt for Villarreal and operates primarily as a central midfielder. Born in Montreuil on 24 January 1999, the 1.89m midfielder holds both Senegalese and French nationality. His blend of physical presence and technical ability has made him a notable figure in Spain’s top flight.

Recent statistics underline his continued importance at club level. In a recent LaLiga outing for Villarreal, Gueye featured in a tightly contested match – contributing in a disciplined midfield role as his side battled to control possession, protect the back line and build from deep. While he did not score, his performance again highlighted his value as a ball-winner and distributor in central areas.

Gueye’s career path has taken him through major European leagues, and a move to the Premier League – with Sunderland the club currently linked – would add another high-profile chapter. Any deal is at a speculative stage, with no fee agreed and no indication Villarreal are close to sanctioning a sale.

If the transfer did materialise, a switch to Wearside could offer Gueye a fresh platform in English football and the chance to elevate both his reputation and market value in one of the game’s most competitive environments.