Sunderland handed transfer deadline to sign Ernest Poku
Sunderland have received a key boost in the transfer window as Bayer Leverkusen sets a deadline for the sale of Ernest Poku. The German club have given all interested parties, including Sunderland, an eight-day deadline to swoop in and sign the winger before their pre-season tour gets underway on August 1.
What happened?
Bayer Leverkusen have set a deadline for the sale of Ernest Poku, with the winger expected to leave the club this summer. The German club want to sell Poku by the time their pre-season tour gets underway on August 1, giving all interested parties, including Sunderland, an eight-day deadline to make a move.
Why it matters for Sunderland
Sunderland are expected to make a move for Poku, who could become one of the bargains of the summer. The Black Cats have endured a quiet transfer window so far, but this could be about to change. Poku is a versatile winger who has experience playing in the Champions League, and he could provide an upgrade in output out wide.
What comes next?
Sunderland will have to act quickly if they want to sign Poku, with the deadline set by Bayer Leverkusen looming large. The Black Cats will have to turn their interest into an offer ASAP, especially as Leverkusen aim to sell before the beginning of August. With Nottingham Forest also interested, the stakes are high for Sunderland.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 7th in Championship, 54 pts, 14W-12D-12L from 38 games, recent form WWDDL.
With six goals and 10 assists last season, Poku would provide Regis Le Bris with a clear upgrade at a time when sharing goals across the side in Europe and the Premier League will be the key to any success. Sunderland could do with an upgrade in output out wide, and Poku could be the answer.
Next fixture: vs Hull City (at home, 2027-01-02)
Sunderland will have to wait until the new season to see if they can make a move for Poku, but the deadline set by Bayer Leverkusen has given them a clear target to aim for. With the stakes high, Sunderland will have to act quickly if they want to sign the versatile winger.
