Sunderland Transfer Twist as £21.4m Winger Nears Move While Champions League Giants Circle Talbi
Sunderland are entering a crucial phase of the summer transfer window, with Régis Le Bris still looking to strengthen his squad ahead of a demanding Premier League and European campaign.
The Black Cats have already added experienced defender Thomas Meunier to their ranks, while Nazariy Rusyn, Eliezer Mayenda, Timothée Pembélé and Ahmed Abdullahi have all departed the Stadium of Light.
Much of Sunderland’s transfer activity continues to revolve around wide attacking options, with fresh developments emerging regarding Chemsdine Talbi, Ernest Poku and Geny Catamo.
Galatasaray Eye Talbi Swoop
According to reports from Turkey, Galatasaray have joined the race for Sunderland winger Chemsdine Talbi.
The Turkish champions are reportedly preparing for the possible departure of Baris Yilmaz and view the 21-year-old Moroccan as a potential replacement. Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk is believed to be a strong admirer of Talbi and sees him as a player capable of boosting the club’s Champions League ambitions.
Galatasaray are demanding around €50 million (£42.8m) for Yilmaz, and any sale could provide the financial firepower needed to test Sunderland’s resolve.
While the Black Cats are expected to resist any approach for one of their brightest young talents, the lure of Champions League football could present a significant challenge if a formal offer arrives
Ernest Poku Closing In on Premier League Switch
Elsewhere, Bayer Leverkusen winger Ernest Poku is reportedly edging closer to a move to England.
German outlet Bild claims Sunderland are among the clubs monitoring the Dutch attacker, with a deal expected to cost around £21.4 million.
The 22-year-old is viewed as a versatile option capable of operating across the frontline and could help fill the void left by Bertrand Traoré’s departure. His arrival would also allow Leverkusen to push ahead with plans to bring Moussa Diaby back to the club.
Poku’s age, potential and flexibility make him an attractive target, while the reported fee could prove to be a smart investment in a market where prices continue to soar.
Mozambique Boss Pushes Catamo Exit
Meanwhile, Mozambique national team coach Chiquinho Conde has publicly backed Geny Catamo to leave Sporting CP amid ongoing links with Sunderland.
Sporting are understood to be reluctant to sanction a sale, but Conde believes now is the perfect moment for the winger to embrace a new challenge abroad.
The Mozambique boss suggested the uncertainty surrounding Catamo’s future could affect the player mentally and argued that a transfer would benefit both the player and his national team prospects.
Conde insists the 25-year-old has reached the stage of his career where he should test himself in a different league, adding that a move would provide fresh motivation and help elevate his performances at international level.
With Sunderland still active in the market, the coming weeks could prove decisive as Le Bris looks to strengthen his attacking options before the transfer window slams shut.
