Sunderland completed a late deadline day signing in the form of teenage striker Juan Riquelme Angulo from Independiente del Valle.
Sunderland signed five players on transfer deadline day of the 2026 summer window, with the last deal coming as a late surprise for the Black Cats faithful.
On deadline day, Sunderland added Kevin Danso on loan from Spurs, beat Crystal Palace to the capture of Malick Fofana, and also acquired young Ecuadorian striker Angulo from Independiente del Valle for £5m on a five-year contract.
Sunderland announced the signing of the 18-year-old striker after midnight had struck on deadline day, and Angulo appears to be an extremely exciting young prospect.
Angulo made his professional debut for Independiente del Valle in March, and marked the occasion with his first senior goal for his boyhood club.
Following that, Angulo was called up to the Ecuadorian national side for the first time at just 18, and the 6’4” has continued his upward trajectory with an impressive return in his homeland’s top flight.
Angulo arrives at Sunderland as the league’s player of the month with six goals and three assists to his name in just 15 appearances for Independiente already this season, which has helped his side to the summit of the LigaPro Serie A with a 21-point cushion.
Clearly, Angulo’s physically dominant frame allied with his raw finishing ability, which has seen the likes of Barcelona and Manchester United track him this year, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, makes him an extremely exciting future goalscoring prospect for Sunderland.
Following his announcement as Sunderland’s final signing of the summer window, Director of Football Florent Ghisolfi shared his delight at the move and explained why the Black Cats were keen to acquire the 18-year-old striker.
Ghisolfi told Sunderland's media: “Juan is a young player with exciting potential and a profile that we believe can develop very well within our football club.
“There were a lot of big clubs around Europe chasing his signature, so this signing demonstrates the attraction of Sunderland.
“His physical qualities are obvious, but he also has good movement, technical ability and a natural instinct for scoring goals.
“He has already shown in a short spell that he can compete at senior level despite his age, and we are delighted to bring him to Sunderland at this important stage of his development.
“We look forward to supporting him as he adapts to European football and continues his progression with us.”
Angulo is described as an extremely strong young player, whose technical abilities combined with his ability and physical frame making him a nightmare for opposition defenders to contend with in the Ecuadorian top flight.
9 goal contributions in 15 appearances is no mean feat for any 18-year-old forward, and with the likes of Barcelona and Man Utd having been interested in the Ecuadorian starlet, £5m Sunderland new boy Angulo appears to be a monumental transfer coup for the Stadium of Light outfit.
