Sunderland and Nottingham Forest battle to sign ‘fastest player at U21 Euros’
Sunderland and Nottingham Forest appear to be on the lookout for one of German football’s fastest growing young attackers, with Bayer Leverkusen winger Ernest Poku attracting increasing attention after an impressive debut season in the Bundesliga.
Poku has taken a steady but impressive route to the top.
Born in Hamburg before growing up in the Netherlands, he progressed through AZ Alkmaar’s academy after spells with SV Robinhood and FC Amsterdam.
His explosive pace quickly caught the eye, earning him success in the AZ first team before settling in the Eredivisie and Europe.
Leverkusen decided to sign him last summer, believing they had secured one of the brightest young players in Dutch football, and the move has already paid dividends.
Poku adapted quickly to life in Germany, finishing his first season with six goals and 10 assists in 49 games in all competitions.
Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, described him as a “tricky” defender when the club completed the signing, highlighting the qualities that made him an exciting prospect.
Those attributes were evident throughout the campaign as Poku tended to stretch the defense and create chances in wide areas.
His reputation was boosted during last summer’s Under 21 European Championship.
Poku scored twice as the Netherlands reached the semi-finals and continues to cause problems with his pace. Journalist Ronan Murphy even called him the ‘fastest player at the U21 Euros’, and UEFA’s tracking data backs that up by recording him as the fastest player in the final with a top speed of 35.3 km/h.
Those qualities make him an interesting option for the Premier League.
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Football FanCast verdict |
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Honesty |
This update comes from Sebastien Vidal, who has built a growing reputation for reporting on transfer news across France and wider European football. Although it is not generally considered to be the highest category of transfer journalists, some specialties have been confirmed later by major outlets. |
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Finance |
Leverkusen only signed Poku from AZ Alkmaar last summer on a contract until 2030, putting him in a strong negotiating position. Following a good first season, his value has risen significantly, meaning Sunderland or Forest will likely have to bring in a big offer to start serious negotiations. |
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Understanding |
Poku is a fearless winger whose superpowers are speed, speed and precision. He enjoys separating defenders, attacking from the back and creating chances for his teammates. His decision-making in the final third has improved significantly, while his work rate off the ball continues to impress the coaches. |
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Impact |
Poku would add real pace and confidence to Sunderland or Forest, and his age means there is still significant room for improvement. If his development continues, he has all the attributes to be a major Premier League success. |
Comfortable anywhere or in midfield, the 22-year-old still has plenty of room for improvement, making him the type of player clubs can build on.
Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest battle to win Bayer Leverkusen Ernest Poku
According to journalist Sébastien Vidal, Sunderland are now looking to bring the Holland player to England.
The Black Cats are looking to strengthen their attacking options with Poku but will obviously have to overcome Forest’s competition. Both clubs are said to be interested following his impressive debut campaign at Leverkusen.
Sunderland are looking to add more flair and speed as they prepare for another tough Premier League campaign, while Forest continue to target young players who can develop under Oliver Glasner and grow in value over time.
Negotiations with Leverkusen, however, are unlikely to be straightforward.
After seeing him quickly settle in and become a key member of the team, Leverkusen has little reason to entertain offers unless a big offer comes along.
That puts the German club firmly in control of the situation.
Still, interest from two ambitious Premier League clubs shows just how highly regarded Poku is now. If either Sunderland or Forest manage to do a deal, they will be signing one of the most exciting young players in Europe.
