Sunderland’s ambitious Premier League rebuild continues to gather momentum, and one major transfer pursuit remains very much alive. The Black Cats are reportedly still in the hunt for their £26 million summer target, despite what insiders have described as “very complex” and drawn-out contract negotiations.
The Target That Won’t Go Away
Sunderland’s recruitment team have spent much of the summer tracking Bilal El Khannouss, the highly rated attacking midfielder valued at around €26 million (£22m–£23m). The 21-year-old has been a standout performer for Leicester City, attracting attention from several top-flight clubs after a breakout season.
Sources close to the Wearside club suggest Sunderland remain confident of completing the deal, even as rival interest from Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, and Monaco continues to complicate negotiations.
“This one’s not simple,” a source told The Northern Echo. “There are multiple layers to the contract, clauses, resale percentages, and performance triggers, but Sunderland are still very much at the table.”
Why The Deal Is Proving Difficult
The challenge isn’t just the transfer fee. Leicester are understood to be demanding:
- A €26 million base fee,
- A 10% sell-on clause, and
- Several add-on bonuses based on future appearances and international caps.
Sunderland’s sporting director Kristjaan Speakman is said to be pushing for a restructured deal, one that spreads the payment over multiple seasons and reduces Leicester’s leverage on future earnings.
That, coupled with the player’s wage demands and agent fees, has turned the move into a financial balancing act. “It’s a very complex negotiation,” the source added. “But Sunderland’s interest hasn’t cooled one bit.”
Competition And Timing
Rival bids from Premier League sides remain a real threat. Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest have both made inquiries, and Monaco’s sporting department has reportedly entered the discussion in recent days.
However, Sunderland believe their pitch, regular first-team football, a young core of players, and the vision of building a sustainable top-flight squad, could appeal to El Khannouss more than bench time at a bigger club.
“Players like Bilal are looking for projects, not just paychecks,” one agent familiar with the talks said. “Sunderland’s project is actually quite attractive right now.”
Sunderland’s Premier League Ambition
Having finally returned to the Premier League, Sunderland are determined not to be relegation fodder. Their summer transfer business has already signalled intent, combining experienced reinforcements with exciting young talents.
The El Khannouss pursuit, if successful, would mark a huge statement of intent and potentially a record signing for the club. His technical ability, creativity, and versatility could make him a cornerstone in Sunderland’s new-look midfield.
Manager Michael Beale has reportedly backed the deal, viewing the Moroccan international as a player who can “elevate the team’s entire attacking dynamic.”
Possible Outcomes
As things stand, three scenarios remain on the table:
- Deal Agreed – Sunderland reach a breakthrough with Leicester, finalising the transfer at a slightly reduced price with manageable add-ons.
- Negotiations Stall – Leicester refuse to budge, and Sunderland pivot toward alternative midfield targets in Spain or France.
- Late Bidding War – A rival Premier League side swoops in with a higher offer, forcing Sunderland to decide whether to match it or walk away.
A Defining Move For The Black Cats
Whether the El Khannouss deal crosses the finish line or not, Sunderland’s pursuit of such a high-value player speaks volumes about their ambition. Once a Championship club fighting for promotion, they’re now competing in transfer battles with established Premier League sides, and holding their ground.
As one Wearside insider put it:
“This isn’t the Sunderland of old. We’re not here just to survive, we’re here to compete. And deals like this show exactly where we’re headed.”
With the transfer window edging closer to its final weeks, all eyes on Wearside will be watching whether the Black Cats can turn complex negotiations into their biggest signing in decades.
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