Sunderland are said to be talks with a European club about signing one of their most exciting young players in the summer transfer window, according to a new update.
It has been an impressive season for the Black Cats, who didn’t necessarily begin the campaign as one of the favourites to be promoted from the Championship to the Premier League.
Instead, Regis Le Bris’ side have remained near the top of the table all season long, and while automatic promotion is now looking hugely unlikely, a place in the playoffs seems nailed on, giving them a chance of returning to the top flight for the first time since 2016/17.
Away from on-pitch matters, Sunderland continue to be linked with potential new signings, with Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland an exciting rumoured target. The Scotland international has been a prolific figure for his current club, scoring 63 goals in 129 appearances. He would be available on a free transfer this summer, too.
There is also concern that the Black Cats could lose some of their best players, however, with Chris Rigg among the most exciting teenage talents in the country currently. Reigning Champions League holders Real Madrid are still reportedly eyeing a move for him, which sums up his potential.
Sunderland in talks to sign teenage ace
According to a new report from Africa Foot [via Sport Witness], Sunderland are in talks with Fiorentina to sign defender Eddy Kouadio before the end of the season.
While there is yet to be an official proposal sent for the 18-year-old, the Black Cats see him as a genuine target, wanting to reach an agreement sooner rather than later.
Sunderland fans are unlikely to be experts when it comes to Kouadio, given his age and the fact that he is yet to make a single senior appearance for Fiorentina.
That’s not to say that he wouldn’t be a hugely exciting signing for the Black Cats, with the centre-back already winning four caps for Italy at youth international level – two apiece for the Under-19s and Under-18s.
Kouadio has also played 86 times for Fiorentina in underage teams, rising through the age groups impressively, and his versatility allows him to thrive as both a centre-back and a right-back.
Planning for the future is something that Sunderland should always be looking at, rather than simply focusing on signing players who can come in and be instant stars, and snapping up the young Italian would be shrewd business in that respect.
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He’s a man in-demand.
He has shown that he is a player with plenty of promise for both club and country, and in the likes of Rigg and Jobe Bellingham, the Black Cats have shown that the Stadium of Light is a good place for youngsters to come in and be given an opportunity to shine.
