Sunderland have set their sights on Ernest Poku, the 22‑year‑old Bayer Leverkusen winger, as a £21m signing to strengthen a squad that finished 7th in the Premier League with 54 points. The Black Cats, fresh from a 2‑1 win over Chelsea on 2026‑05‑24, are already planning a busy season across four fronts, including a Europa League spot secured by a 7th‑place finish (14W‑12D‑12L, recent form WWDDL).\n\n## Why Poku fits Sunderland’s summer agenda\n\nLe Bris needs depth and creativity after a campaign that produced only 23.2 xG, the third‑lowest among Premier League sides. Poku, praised for his versatility across the front line, could provide the right‑side dynamism the club lacks. His €25m (£21m) price tag aligns with Sunderland’s ambition to compete on multiple fronts while staying within a realistic budget.\n\n## How the move compares with other targets\n\nSunderland have also been linked with Yeny Catamo of Sporting CP, a winger with a £51m release clause. While Catamo offers experience, his six‑goal return in 29 league games last season falls short of the impact Poku could deliver. The club’s scouting network believes Poku’s recent performances in the Bundesliga suggest a higher ceiling, especially as he adapts to a more central attacking role at Wearside.\n\n## What the signing means for the upcoming season\n\nIf the deal goes through, Poku would join a squad that conceded 48 goals this season, a -6 goal difference, and will need fresh attacking options to close the 31‑point gap to league leaders Arsenal. His arrival could also free up space for emerging talent like Brobbey, allowing Le Bris to rotate the front line without sacrificing quality. Sunderland’s next big test arrives away at Manchester United on 2026‑12‑30, where a new signing could make an immediate impact.\n\n## Transfer outlook and next steps\n\nBILD reports that Leverkusen are prepared to let Poku leave if Sunderland meets the €25m demand. No official offer has been confirmed, but Sunderland remain front‑runners in the race. The club will likely negotiate a fee below the release clause, aiming to secure the player before other Premier League suitors intervene. The summer window promises to be decisive for Sunderland’s European ambitions.