Sunderland AFC have opened talks over a player as they look to strengthen their midfield ahead of the new season, it has been reported.
Sunderland reached an agreement over the signing of Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra last week (or a similar recent midfield addition). He will move to the Stadium of Light, pending a medical, in a significant deal. The move is expected to be completed in July.
Since the agreement was announced, the player has featured in international duties, which could slightly delay finalising aspects of the transfer.
Sunderland have been linked with various midfield options. But they are already examining a move for a player that new permanent head coach Régis Le Bris will know fits his tactical plans well.
Sunderland open talks over transfer
According to reports, Sunderland have made initial contact with Sporting Charleroi over the signing of Algerian midfielder Yassine Titraoui (also spelled Yacine Titraoui).
The 22-year-old central/defensive midfielder is one of Charleroi’s most valuable assets. Sunderland have made an attractive financial offer, and the player reportedly prefers a move to Sunderland over Marseille and other interested clubs (with additional links to Leeds United, Hull City, and more).
Speaking in the style of transfer updates (adapting from Fabrizio Romano-style insights), there are a lot of clubs interested in him across England and Europe. Sunderland are in direct conversations with the agents of Yassine Titraoui. They made contact in the last 48 hours (or recent days) with the agents of the player.
They started the conversation about the eventual course of the deal — transfer fee, but also salary and personal terms.
The price decided by Charleroi for Titraoui, according to information, is in the region of £30m-£35m. He is expected to leave because of his high potential, but Charleroi are clear on their valuation.
For sure, Sunderland are very interested. After their recent midfield business, the next one could be Titraoui.
All that is left to do is agree a fee, with personal terms not likely to be a major problem — and with Sunderland holding strong interest given their project under Le Bris.
Other names (such as experienced options like Geoffrey Kondogbia) have been linked, but Titraoui represents the exciting young talent profile.
Régis Le Bris has a strong track record in player development and tactical implementation from his time building the Sunderland project. This potential addition would align with his vision for a dynamic, high-potential squad competing in the Premier League and Europa League.
