Despite a bright start to the transfer window, some Sunderland fans may be disappointed that no further business has been done yet… but that could change soon.
Sunderland kicked off their transfer dealings this month with the high-profile arrival of Enzo Le Fee on loan from AS Roma.
Since then, despite the clear need for a new striker, Sunderland have stalled. It is thought the Black Cats have missed out on a handful of targets, and the search continues for attacking reinforcements.
The latest name to be linked with Sunderland is Semih Kilicsoy, and the Besiktas youngster could be one step closer to a transfer if his current club make one big signing in the coming days.
Besiktas want to sign Ansu Fati, which could open the door for Semih Kilicsoy exit
According to reports from Turkish newspaper Sabah (via fotoMac), Besiktas are eager to sign a new attacking winger, with the club already using the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and the aforementioned Kilicsoy out of position on the left-hand side.
None of those solutions have quite worked out for Besiktas, though, and they are now looking at Barcelona outcast, Ansu Fati.
Apparently, Barcelona are happy to send Fati out on loan again this month. The young winger previously spent the season with Brighton last year, but failed to make the desired impact.
Fellow Turkish outfit, Fenerbahce are also keen on Fati, but if Besiktas were to win the race, it could push Kilicsoy closer to the exit door before the transfer window closes. So, does that mean we can expect to see the 19-year-old in the Sunderland squad soon?
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Sunderland’s loan proposal could be more suitable for Besiktas than a straight sale
The main issue for Sunderland right now is that they are not alone in the pursuit of Kilicsoy, who has attracted attention from Newcastle and Aston Villa, too.
It is also thought the player’s agent has contacted Everton and other Premier League suitors this week, which could well dash any hope Sunderland had of pulling off the transfer.
But, with Fati potentially only joining Besiktas on loan, and Sunderland preferring a loan deal for Kilicsoy, too, the stars could align. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is not keen on losing Kilicsoy, so perhaps the temporary departure could be more appealing than selling outright to a bigger club?
It’s all conjecture at this point, but there’s certainly still hope Sunderland can do something with this deal. Still, it would be wise to have other alternatives in their back pocket, just in case.