Sunderland have received a key boost in the race to sign Ernest Poku from Bayer Leverkusen.
The German club have set a deadline for the sale of the winger, with a sense of inevitability rapidly emerging over his departure this summer.
The Black Cats meanwhile have endured a quiet transfer window so far. Much of the headlines were stolen by Chelsea and their unsuccessful pursuit of Granit Xhaka earlier in the window, and whilst Thomas Meunier has arrived since then, Sunderland are yet to splash the cash.
That is likely to change before the new season arrives, however, and could see Poku arrive from Bayer Leverkusen.
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Who is Ernest Poku? |
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|---|---|
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Preferred position |
Winger/wing-back |
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Key strengths |
Pace, dribbling, long shots |
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Who could he replace? |
As a quick, tricky winger, Poku is likely to replace Chemsdine Talbi at Sunderland |
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Dribbles Per 90 25/26 |
1.7 |
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Who does he play like? |
Jeremie Frimpong |
It’s easy to see why Sunderland are interested in the Leverkusen man. He’s versatile, quick and experienced at the top level after playing Champions League football in Germany. As he heads for the exit door, they would be wise to swoop in and land yet another statement signing.
It is also worth noting that Sunderland could do with an upgrade in output out wide. Talbi showed plenty of promise last season, but four goals and one assist suggests that he’s still got room to improve.
With six goals and 10 assists last season, Poku would provide Regis Le Bris with a clear upgrade at a time when sharing goals across the side in Europe and the Premier League will be the key to any success.
Sunderland handed transfer deadline to sign Ernest Poku
According to BILD, as relayed by Sport Witness, Sunderland have been gifted the green light to sign Poku this summer.
Bayer Leverkusen want to sell the versatile winger by the time that their pre-season tour gets underway on August 1. That gives all interested parties an eight-day deadline to swoop in.
It’s a key boost for Sunderland, with Poku expected to leave Leverkusen at this stage in a deal worth €25m (£21m). The report also goes one further and claims that the 22-year-old is almost certain to join an English club.
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25/26 league stats |
Ernest Poku stats |
Chemsdine Talbi stats |
|---|---|---|
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Minutes |
1,854 |
1,561 |
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Goals |
5 |
4 |
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Assists |
5 |
1 |
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Successful take-ons per 90 |
1.7 |
0.92 |
|
Chances created |
27 |
12 |
The Leverkusen man certainly has the quality and at £21m, he could become one of the bargains of the summer at the Stadium of Light.
With Nottingham Forest also interested, the Black Cats will have to turn their interest into an offer ASAP, especially as Leverkusen aim to sell before the beginning of August.
That deadline also means that, if a deal is to happen, things will move quickly. It’s ruthless from the German club, but their trash could quickly turn into undeniable treasure for Premier League clubs.
