Sunderland Football Club have confirmed the signing of Paraguayan centre-back Omar Alderete from Spanish side Getafe. The deal, reported to be worth approximately £10 million (€12 million) with potential add-ons, marks the Black Cats’ 11th signing of a busy summer window.
Alderete has signed a contract running until June 2029, underscoring Sunderland’s long-term vision for their squad.
Alderete, nicknamed “the Wall of Asunción” for his rugged defensive style, has established himself as one of La Liga’s most reliable defenders over the past two seasons.
Making 99 appearances across competitions for Getafe, including 36 last term, he played a key role in helping the club concede just 39 goals—the joint fourth-fewest in the Spanish top flight.
Sunderland’s manager, Regis Le Bris, has long sought reinforcements at the heart of defence, particularly a left-footed centre-back capable of initiating play from the back.
Alderete’s combination of physicality, aerial dominance, and ball-playing ability made him an ideal target in that context.
Omar Federico Alderete Fernández, born on 26 December 1996 in Asunción, Paraguay, began his senior career at Cerro Porteño in 2016. After establishing himself in the Paraguayan Primera División, he spent a season on loan at Argentina’s Gimnasia before joining Huracán.
His European journey began in 2019 with a move to Swiss giants FC Basel, where he became a regular starter and gained valuable experience in both domestic and continental competitions.
The following year, he joined Hertha BSC in the Bundesliga, though finding consistent game time proved challenging. Alderete’s adaptability led to a productive loan at Valencia, where his performances caught the eye of Getafe, and he eventually secured a permanent move in 2023.
Internationally, Alderete is a seasoned figure in the Paraguay national team. Since his debut in November 2018, he has earned close to 30 caps, becoming a key component of the squad during World Cup qualifiers and continental tournaments.
Upon confirming the deal, Alderete spoke with evident enthusiasm: “I’m feeling great about signing for this great team, so I’m really happy. I’m looking forward to my first experience in the Premier League. It’s a great challenge for me. I know it’s a historic club, and when they told me there was an opportunity, I was excited about coming here. It’s always important to have the support of the people, and I’m going to give it my all on the pitch.”
From the club’s side, sporting director Kristjann Speakman offered insight on why Alderete was identified as an ideal addition: “We are delighted to welcome Omar to Sunderland. He’s a player with extensive experience in European club football and at the international level. It was important for us to identify and add a left-sided centre-back for the group, and ensure the profile was aligned to our game model. In Omar, we have an aggressive and athletic player who can move the ball efficiently in possession. He’s connected to our story and where we want to go.”
With nearly ten other signings secured so far, including midfield linchpin Granit Xhaka, forward options, and defensive additions like Arthur Masuaku, Sunderland have invested heavily—roughly £146 million—to ensure both squad depth and quality.