Sunderland’s ambition under Régis Le Bris has taken a bold turn as the Black Cats have reportedly entered the race for one of the summer’s most coveted free agents. According to MARCA journalist and football insider, Matteo Moretto, Wearside officials have actively inquired about Spanish international defender Óscar Mingueza.
The 27-year-old former Barcelona academy player officially sees his contract with La Liga side Celta Vigo expire on 30th June, triggering a high-stakes scramble among European
football’s elite. While the Black Cats face reported Premier League competition from the likes of Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United, as well as European sides Atalanta and Como, the club’s pursuit of Mingueza signals a statement of intent.
Who is Óscar Mingueza?
Mingueza joined Barcelona’s famed youth academy, La Masia, at just eight years old. He rose seamlessly through every youth rank, famously winning the UEFA Youth League title with the U19 side in the 2017/2018 season. He went on to make over 60 first-team appearances for the Catalan giants across all competitions, notably lifting the Copa del Rey during his time with the Blaugrana.
In the summer of 2022, Mingueza moved to Celta Vigo to secure regular first-team minutes. In Galicia, his game evolved from a promising young defender into one of La Liga’s best full-backs. Over his highly successful seasons at the club, he became arguably their most indispensable tactical asset, evolving into a creative full-back who drove the team’s transition play and helped guide them into contention for European qualification. He went on to feature 11 times in the Europa League for Celta Vigo last term and earned a spot in the Europa League Team of the Season as a result.
What Do His Stats Suggest?
In short, Mingueza offers a stark contrast to the profile of Sunderland’s current first-choice left-back, Reinildo Mandava. Mingueza is best described as an offensively minded, playmaking full-back who has enjoyed the best form of his career over the past two seasons, including being named to the 2025/2026 Europa League Team of the Season.
In terms of his offensive capabilities, Mingueza registers in the 92nd percentile for assists against other full-backs across Europe’s top five leagues, registering 6 assists against an xA of 6.83. He also scored a solitary goal in the last campaign, adding to his ten-goal contributions (4 goals and 6 assists) in the previous season. This creative outlay suggests a player who can provide a real spark when going forward.
Further to his goal contributions, Mingueza ranks highly for his distribution and chance creation. He created 41 chances last season and ranks in the 90th percentile for long pass completion and in the 88th percentile for progressive passes and passes into the final third.
Defensively, he ranks in the 65th percentile for tackles won, showing the ability to defend effectively in 1-on-1 situations. However, when you look at the raw data for interceptions and tackles (30th-40th percentile), he ranks below the European average.
With that being said, it seems this is more a defensive style as opposed to a lack of ability, as Mingueza utilises defensive positioning and covering runs to delay transitions and isolate his opponent into favourable defensive scenarios, rather than jumping into a high-intensity, physical duel.
The Verdict
Finding a 27-year-old international defender hitting his absolute peak years on a free transfer is an exceedingly rare occurrence in the market. Sunderland won big with the free signing of Reinildo Mandava last summer. Could they repeat this feat?
Óscar Mingueza has the technical intelligence, physical prime, and elite tactical versatility to become a key feature of Le Bris’ Wearside revolution and would arguably fit a “Lutsharel Geertruida” sized hole in the Sunderland squad as the ever-decreasing chances of the Dutchman grow larger every day.
Crucially, he offers a fundamentally different profile to the club’s current full-back options. Mingueza operates as an elite, deep-lying playmaker from the flank and is a player very much entering his prime.
Will Sunderland get their man?
