“Sunderland Chase ‘Terrific’ Striker Who Could Outshine Kilicsoy – Transfer Race Heats Up!”

Sunderland have been linked with numerous strikers throughout this drawn-out winter transfer window, with names like Emil Riis Jakobsen and Semih Kilicsoy frequently mentioned as potential arrivals at the Stadium of Light. However, with the deadline rapidly approaching, no deal has materialized just yet. 

As the clock ticks down to Monday’s transfer cutoff, manager Régis Le Bris remains hopeful that Sunderland can pull off a dramatic late signing. And now, fresh reports suggest that a former Championship goal machine could be set for a return to England. 

Sunderland Back in the Race for Chuba Akpom

According to Dutch outlet *De Telegraaf*, Sunderland are still in contention to sign Ajax striker Chuba Akpom before the window slams shut. The 29-year-old, who made his name in the Championship with a phenomenal goalscoring season at Middlesbrough, had previously been linked with a move to Wearside, though initial reports suggested he was uninterested in the switch. 

Now, however, the possibility of a loan deal has resurfaced, with Leicester City and Olympique de Marseille also vying for Akpom’s signature. Should Sunderland manage to secure his services, there is potential for a permanent deal in the summer. The hope is that the ex-Arsenal forward could provide the cutting edge needed to propel Sunderland’s promotion push in the second half of the season. 

What Akpom Brings to Sunderland

 
Unlike gambling on an unproven talent like Kilicsoy, Sunderland would be acquiring a proven Championship marksman in Akpom. The former Middlesbrough striker lit up the second tier during the 2022/23 season, netting a staggering 28 league goals and earning praise from Michael Carrick, who hailed him as a “terrific” talent. His exploits secured him the Championship Golden Boot and cemented his status as one of the league’s most lethal finishers. 

While Kilicsoy showed glimpses of brilliance with 11 goals in 23 league games for Beşiktaş last season, his current campaign has been underwhelming, with just one goal in 19 league appearances. Akpom, on the other hand, has still displayed his goalscoring prowess at Ajax, tallying eight goals across all competitions, including four in the Europa League. 

There are some concerns that Akpom’s Golden Boot-winning campaign was a one-off, especially given that he had only scored eight total Championship goals before that breakout season. However, his experience and track record at this level make him a safer bet than an untested youngster. 

At 29, Akpom would also bring a level of experience that Sunderland’s youthful squad could benefit from. Surrounded by talented attacking players like Patrick Roberts and Jobe Bellingham, he could thrive in a system designed to create chances. 

While signing a 19-year-old like Kilicsoy would align with Sunderland’s usual transfer approach, landing Akpom would be a statement of intent—a clear sign that the Black Cats are serious about securing promotion rather than just developing young talent for the future.