Sunderland are now ready to pay an asking price of £10m to usurp Celtic’s midfield
Sunderland are now willing to match the asking price of the “wonderful” midfield target, which could force Celtic to miss out on their successor in Callum McGregor.
Sunderland are eyeing a new midfielder after Noah Sadiki ruled out an upcoming update
Noah Sadiki has emerged as one of the main players of the Black Cats since he arrived from Union Saint-Gilloise last summer, he played 31 games in the Premier League, and the only thing that happened to this DR Congo player was when he left Afcon.
However, Sadiki has indicated that he may open the summer transfer window, saying: “My future? I still have two games to play with Sunderland, then the World Cup, which will be very special for the Congolese people. As for the rest, we will see next season when the time is right.”
Regis Le Bris’ side are desperate to keep hold of the 21-year-old, but it could be difficult, amid interest from Manchester United and Chelsea, and he is not the only midfielder who could leave.
Aston Villa are planning a move for Enzo Le Fee, with the Stadium of Light outfit keen to cash in on the Frenchman for a reasonable price this summer.
Sunderland are prepared to pay the price of Soufiane El-Faouzi
Therefore, it could be very important for Sunderland to sign at least one new midfielder this summer, and they are now ready to pay Schalke 04’s £10m asking price for Soufiane El-Faouzi.
This comes from a report by TEAMtalk, which states that the Black Cats are ‘looking very closely’ at signing the German, which is a concern for Celtic, who are currently in the lead.
The Scottish club consider him the best candidate to replace 32-year-old McGregor.
The Hoops have made contact with them to sign El-Faouzi, who comes off the back of the maestro emerging as a key player for Schalke in 2. Bundesliga this season, he started all 33 games and chipped in with two goals and five assists.
The 23-year-old was superb in the 1-0 win against Karlsruher SC last month, after which Schalke sporting director Youri Mulder said: “It was a great game from the whole team. But if I had to choose one player, it would be Sofi. For me, she played an unbelievable game.”
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Key statistics of Soufiane El-Faouzi vs Karlsruher |
The number has been completed |
|
Accurate passes |
34/39 (87%) |
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Key passes |
3 |
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Great opportunities have been created |
1 |
|
Ideas |
4 |
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Ground duels (won) |
10 (6) |
El-Faouzi’s defensive qualities have been on full display, with Le Fee also thriving when it comes to winning the ball back, averaging 2.7 tackles per 90 in the Premier League this season, the highest of any Sunderland team.
So, while the Schalke star is showing encouraging signs, the Black Cats’ priority should be to keep Le Fee and Sadiki, who are already proven in the Premier League.
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He was a revelation to the Black Cats.
