Sunderland linked with £25m transfer as Romaine Mundle clause and Kristjaan Speakman update emerge
Sunderland have been linked with a £25million Celtic midfielder as fresh transfer updates emerge this simmer
Sunderland continue to be linked with new names as the summer transfer window edges closer.
The Black Cats are preparing for a major summer under Florent Ghisolfi after securing Europa League football, with Régis Le Bris already making clear that Sunderland will need to add “three or four” more consistent players to cope with the demands of Premier League and European competition. Here is the latest Sunderland transfer round-up:
Arne Engels
Sunderland are among the Premier League clubs credited with interest in Celtic midfielder Arne Engels. According to Sky Sports, Nottingham Forest, Fulham and Sunderland are all interested in the 22-year-old Belgium international. Forest are said to have had several bids rejected in January, with their final offer reportedly worth £25million.
Forest are still said to be keen, particularly with Manchester City pursuing Elliot Anderson and midfield reinforcements potentially required at the City Ground. However, Sunderland and Fulham have now also been named as admirers.
Engels joined Celtic from Augsburg and remains under contract until 2028, meaning any deal would likely require a significant fee. The midfielder has four caps for Belgium and would fit the profile of a young player with top-level experience and further development potential. From a Sunderland perspective, the link is interesting given the extra strain European football will place on Le Bris’ midfield next season.
Chidera Ejuke
Sunderland have also been mentioned in connection with Sevilla winger Chidera Ejuke. Afrik Foot reports that the Nigeria international could leave Sevilla after starting just six league games last season. The report suggests Sunderland could be a good next step for the winger because of his creativity, dribbling ability and potential fit within Le Bris’ transition-based style.
Ejuke’s ability to beat defenders one-v-one is highlighted as one of his main strengths, and Sunderland are expected to look at wide attacking options this summer as they build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. The 27-year-old would bring experience and a different profile to a young Sunderland squad, though at this stage the link appears to be one to watch rather than anything advanced.
Romain Mundle sell-on claim
There has also been a fresh claim around Romain Mundle’s future. Reports in Belgium suggest Standard Liege could benefit if Sunderland sell the winger, having negotiated a 10% sell-on clause when Mundle moved to Wearside for around €1.8million. The same report claims Mundle’s market value now stands at around €7million and that there is interest in the player.
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Mundle has shown flashes of real quality at Sunderland and remains a talented young winger, but the Black Cats’ attacking department is expected to be an area of change this summer. Any serious interest would test Sunderland’s stance, though the club would be in line to retain the bulk of any fee if a sale ever developed.
Kristjaan Speakman
Former Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has been linked with the director of football role at Birmingham City. According to Football Insider, Dan Ashworth is a contender for the post, with Speakman and Birmingham’s current academy director Mike Rigg also said to be in the running.
Speakman left Sunderland earlier this year after playing a major part in the club’s rebuild from League One to the Premier League. His next move will be watched with interest given the scale of his influence at the Stadium of Light over recent seasons.