Sunderland have gained momentum in the race to sign Ernest Poku from Bayer Leverkusen.
The German club have set themselves a deadline to sell the winger, with the sense of inevitability quickly emerging from his departure this summer.
Meanwhile the Black Cats have endured a quiet transfer window so far. Most of the headlines were stolen by Chelsea and their pursuit of Granit Xhaka earlier in the window, and while Thomas Meunier has since arrived, Sunderland are yet to spend.
That could change before the new season arrives, however, and could see Poku arrive from Bayer Leverkusen.
|
Who is Ernest Poku? |
|
|---|---|
|
Preferred location |
Winger/wing-back |
|
Power is important |
Speed, running, long shots |
|
Who could replace him? |
As a quick, tricky winger, Poku is likely to replace Chemsdine Talbi at Sunderland |
|
Dribbles Per 90 25/26 |
1.7 |
|
Who do you play as? |
Jeremy Frimpong |
It’s easy to see why Sunderland are interested in the Leverkusen man. He is versatile, quick and experienced at the highest level after playing Champions League football in Germany. As he heads for the exit door, they would be wise to go in and sign another statement.
It’s also worth noting that Sunderland could do with improving their wide output. Talbi showed a lot of promise last season, but four goals and one assist suggests he still has room to improve.
With six goals and 10 assists last season, Poku will give Regis Le Bris a clear boost at a time when goals are being shared in Europe and the Premier League will be key to any success.
Sunderland have made a transfer deadline day offer for Ernest Poku
According to a BILD report, as relayed by Sport Witness, Sunderland have been given the green light to sign Poku this summer.
Bayer Leverkusen are looking to sell the versatile defender in time for their pre-season tour to begin on August 1. That gives all interested parties an eight-day deadline to sign.
It is a significant boost for Sunderland, with Poku expected to leave Leverkusen at this stage in a deal worth €25m (£21m). This report also goes on to say that the 22-year-old player is determined to join the English club.
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25/26 league statistics |
Statistics by Ernest Poku |
Chemsdine Talbi Statistics |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
1,854 |
1,561 |
|
Goals |
5 |
4 |
|
It helps |
5 |
1 |
|
Every 90 successful takeovers |
1.7 |
0.92 |
|
Opportunities are created |
27 |
12 |
The Leverkusen man certainly has quality and for £21m, he could be one of the biggest summer signings at the Stadium of Light.
With Nottingham Forest also interested, the Black Cats will have to turn their interest into an offer ASAP, especially with Leverkusen aiming to sell before the start of August.
That deadline also means that, if an agreement is reached, things will move quickly. It’s brutal at the German club, but their trash can turn into an undeniable treasure for Premier League clubs.
