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Sunderland Enter Race for Finnish Teenage Sensation Matias Siltanen as Kristjaan Speakman Targets Next Big Talent
Sunderland have reportedly joined the pursuit of highly promising Finnish midfielder Matias Siltanen, with sporting director Kristjaan Speakman identifying the teenage talent as a potential future star at the Stadium of Light.
According to ontheminute.com, the 18-year-old prodigy, currently impressing in Sweden with Djurgarden, is gaining attention from a host of clubs across Europe. Sunderland are the latest to show interest, adding their name to a competitive list of suitors tracking the dynamic midfielder’s development.
Siltanen has enjoyed a rapid rise in recent years. He made his senior debut at just 15 with Finnish giants KuPS, where he helped the club to a league and cup double before securing a €1 million transfer to Djurgarden earlier this year. Since his move to Sweden, he has become a regular in the first team, demonstrating maturity, technical skill, and tactical intelligence beyond his years.
His performances haven’t gone unnoticed. Previous reports from German outlet RTL have linked the youngster with top clubs including Manchester City, Leicester City, Bournemouth, Rennes, PAOK, and two unnamed Bundesliga teams. Djurgarden currently value the midfield maestro at around €3 million (approximately £2.5 million) and hold him under contract until 2028.
Siltanen’s potential was highlighted further when The Guardian named him among the top 60 footballers globally born in 2007 — a testament to his rising stock in European football.
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Meanwhile, at Sunderland…
Defender Jenson Seelt has revealed that a loan move remains a possibility as he works his way back to full fitness. The 22-year-old Dutch centre-back missed the entire 2024-25 campaign with a knee injury but has featured consistently in pre-season under new boss Régis Le Bris.
Seelt partnered Dan Ballard during the recent 3-0 defeat to Hearts in Craig Gordon’s testimonial, and despite the result, his composed displays and improved physical presence have impressed. However, the club is still expected to recruit top-tier defensive options ahead of the new season.
Speaking after the match, Seelt admitted that a temporary move could be on the cards to ensure he gets regular game time.
> “Yes, that’s an option. We don’t know that yet,” he said when asked about a loan. “For me, the most important thing is to play regularly — especially after missing a full year. We’ll see what the best solution is.”
With the Black Cats plotting a return to the Premier League, both acquisitions and departures in the coming weeks will be key in shaping their competitive edge.
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