A year ago, Sunderland were preparing for life back in the Premier League.

That almost felt like a miracle in itself for some. Survival would have been seen as an excellent achievement in their first season back in the top flight. The Black Cats aren't ones to settle these days, however.

12 months on from promotion, those in Wearside are currently spending their days dreaming of where their European tour could take them next season after finishing as high as seventh in the Premier League.

The Europa League and some historic away days await, and so does the arrival of some impressive names to match.

Sunderland making move to sign Barcelona talent

There's no time for a beach trip as far as Sunderland are concerned. The best way for those in Wearside to enjoy their recent success is to add to it in abundance.

The recruitment was spot on last summer, as the Black Cats provided the blueprints for breaking away from relegation troubles and much more from the get-go. So much so that they may have invented the cure for second-season syndrome at the same time

There was once a time when their recruitment team sat down and named Zlatan Ibrahimović as a target, before pressing play on an EDM track.

Both received endless laughs courtesy of Netflix, but it is Sunderland who are having the final say as they set their sights on an exciting Barcelona talent several years later.

According to TEAMtalk, Sunderland have made contact to sign Roony Bardghji from Barcelona this summer, with the Black Cats noted as one of several teams, including Leeds, Aston Villa and Everton to have made checks with Barca about his availability.

The winger is unexpectedly available after just one year in Spain and despite rumours that he'd prefer a loan move, the Catalan club are looking to sanction a permanent exit.

It's news which has left the Premier League on red alert, including Sunderland, as they look to land one of the most talented players Europe has to offer.

Why Bardghji could be even better than Le Fe

Nothing sums up how far Sunderland have come more than their pursuit of Bardghji. The Black Cats are now serious contenders to sign a Barcelona player. That feels absurd to say just one year after they returned to the Premier League, but those at the Stadium of Light deserve full credit.

A player dubbed "similar to Lamine Yamal" by Barcelona chief Deco, Bardghji would be the best signing that Sunderland have made since returning to the Premier League.

At just 20 years old, he has the potential to become one of the best in his position in world football, and if that features a pit stop in Wearside then Sunderland could retain their European status next season.

In terms of profile, it would be Enzo Le Fee in trouble of losing his place under Le Bris. Bardghji would provide quite the upgrade and form an impressive partnership with Brian Brobbey.

Whilst the Barcelona man can only be assessed in a small dose, it's important to focus on his take-on success. This is a fearless young player capable of providing a new dynamic for just about any side.

The Premier League has turned all too pragmatic in the last 12 months. It has swapped the fearless for the robotic, leaving the likes of Rayan Cherki to do battle.

So it's not just Sunderland who need players like Bardghji. English football needs the player who was in the top 94.4% of dribblers in La Liga this season and a player who created almost two chances per game.

The output will arrive with the talent, but the talent will only arrive with the minutes. The Swede will get exactly that in Wearside.