Potential incomings on the way? Three players Sunderland may bring in after a scouting mission to Portugal

After Sunderland’s intriguing scouting mission in Portugal, here are three players that may have caught their eye.

On Sunday, Sunderland’s scouts were spotted in an interesting location. In the Portuguese top flight, the Black Cats’ scouts were spotted watching Porto vs Boavista as the former Champions League winners won 2-1.

With the 2023/24 season now at an end, it began speculation that the club may be looking towards the continent to improve Sunderland’s first team.

Multiple improvements are needed after a lacklustre 2024 which saw their promotion push to the Premier League collapse.

Many players have also been linked away such as Chris Rigg who has recently caught the interest of Borussia Dortmund.

As a result, this article speculates three players that the Sunderland scouts could be watching ahead of the transfer window.

Róbert Boženík

A striker who has been compared to Hearts’ prolific goalscorer, Lawrence Shankland, it is believed that Robert Bozenik has plenty of attributes to go on and become a great striker.

The Slovakian international joined Boavista in 2022, initially on loan before the move became permanent in 2023.

Here, the 24-year-old has seen mixed success. After a great start to the season, goals have slowed. As it stands, the striker has netted 11 times and picked up two assists in 33 games in all competitions.

At Sunderland, Bozenik could offer more competition across the front line. The striker is already an experienced international with Slovakia, picking up 37 caps.

With goalscoring being a major issue at the Black Cats, a hold-up forward player such as Bozenik could work wonders.

Danny Namaso

Possibly a forgotten name for some. Danny Namaso currently makes his trade for Porto after coming through the ranks at Reading FC.

The Englishman, who previously went by the name Danny Loader, has now enjoyed four years in Portugal as he looks to reach his potential.

Since joining in 2020, the striker has worked his way up to the first team and has now netted nine times in 51 games.

Porto clearly sees the potential in the 23-year-old which resulted in a new contract until 2028 in January.

However, the European giants may want to send Namaso out on loan for consistent game time. This could be where Sunderland comes in to bring the striker back to England on a short-term deal.

The former England youth international is in need of consistent starts and Sunderland’s scouts may see this as an opportunity for the Black Cats this summer.

Bruno Lourenço

Bruno Lourenço is an attacking winger for Boavista who has shown plenty of promise in his two-year stay at the club.

The 26-year-old joined Boavista in 2022 after a successful year at Estoril. So far this campaign, he has netted five goals, including the opener past Porto on the weekend.

As a result, his performance was widely praised which the Sunderland scouts may have taken note of.

While a new striker may be the priority for some of the Stadium of Light faithful, more depth of the wings is also needed.

Lourenço would provide this, with the winger already proving he knows where the back of the net is against tough opposition.