Forward Juan Riquelme Angulo was transferred from Independiente del Valle to Sunderland of the Premier League in a deal negotiated at the close of the European transfer window. Sunderland announced the signing on the last day of the English window. Angulo will not be available for the Libertadores quarterfinals as he has left the Ecuadorian club.

Juan Riquelme Angulo Caicedo, an 18-year-old striker, has joined AFC Sunderland from the Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle on a long-term contract. The club's sporting director, Florent Ghisolfi, stated that Juan is a young player with great potential and a profile that can develop excellently at the club. Numerous major European clubs were interested in signing Juan Riquelme Angulo Caicedo.

Sunderland reached an agreement for the transfer of 18-year-old Ecuadorian striker Juan Riquelme Angulo from Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle for a £5m fee. In the 2025/2026 season in LigaPro Serie A, Angulo had 15 appearances, 6 goals, and 3 assists. He has 6 caps and 1 goal for the Ecuador U17 team. His current Transfermarkt market value is €350k. He had been linked with clubs such as Porto, Benfica, Manchester United, and FC Barcelona.