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Adingra Will Love This Link-Up! Sunderland in Talks for £22.5M “Sensational Prospect” as Transfer Ambition Hits New Level
Sunderland may have suffered a late blow with the collapse of their deal for Armand Laurienté, but the club’s recruitment drive remains one of the most eye-catching of the summer. Under Regis Le Bris, the newly promoted Black Cats have already splashed the cash, including a record-breaking £30 million deal for Habib Diarra. And while six signings are already through the door, Sunderland’s summer business is far from over.
Excitement is mounting on Wearside after fans caught first glimpses of Diarra alongside new arrivals Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra during the recent pre-season clash against Sevilla. But while the squad continues to take shape, Sunderland are already working behind the scenes to pull off another blockbuster deal—this time for one of Europe’s brightest midfield talents.
According to respected journalist Loïc Tanzi, Sunderland are deep in negotiations with Leicester City for Moroccan international and former Genk standout **Bilal El Khannouss**. The 21-year-old playmaker is believed to have a £22.5 million release clause, but Sunderland are aiming to negotiate a reduced fee. That won’t be easy, with Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, and French side AS Monaco all competing for his signature.
El Khannouss, long considered a top-tier talent and previously linked with Arsenal, stood out in a disappointing season for relegated Leicester, creating eight big chances in the Premier League. Even amid the chaos, the midfielder demonstrated his class—mirroring the promise he showed at Genk, where he crafted an astonishing 21 big chances in one campaign.
The potential arrival of El Khannouss has many Sunderland fans dreaming of a dynamic new Premier League duo. His vision and playmaking perfectly complement the explosive pace and flair of Adingra, who impressed despite limited minutes last season with Brighton. The Ivorian winger managed six goals and several standout moments despite starting just 12 Premier League games.
Analysts have already tipped Adingra to shine in Sunderland colours, and pairing him with a creative engine like El Khannouss could give Sunderland a potent new attacking axis. The Moroccan’s knack for threading pinpoint passes and unlocking defences could be the perfect fuel for Adingra’s runs behind the backline—a combo that could torment Premier League defences if it comes to fruition.
Labelled a “sensational prospect” by analyst Ben Mattinson, El Khannouss represents yet another bold move from Sunderland’s ambitious hierarchy. And if Le Bris gets his man, Sunderland could turn this summer’s transfer excitement into a foundation for top-flight survival—and perhaps even more.
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