Sunderland have been linked with a move for a Villarreal and Senegal midfielder.
Sunderland have been linked with a move for Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye - but they have major competition from a number of Premier League rivals.
TEAMtalk have reported Everton are keen on the midfielder as they look to find a replacement for Idrissa Gana Gueye - but the same report also suggest Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Brighton and Hove Albion are also keeping tabs on Gueye as they look to add to their squads throughout the summer transfer window. But what do we know of the reported Black Cats target?
Pape Alassane Gueye of Villarreal CF.placeholder image
Pape Alassane Gueye of Villarreal CF. | Getty Images.
Where has Pape Gueye played throughout his career?
The 27-year-old midfielder started his career within the youth set-up at Blanc-Mesnil SF before moving on to Le Havre, where he progressed into the senior set-up during the 2016/17 season. A senior debut came with a substitute appearance against then-Ligue 2 rivals Chamois Niort during the final weeks of the campaign before Gueye went on to make over 40 first-team appearances before joining Watford on a free transfer at the end of the 2019/20 season. However, Gueye made a quickfire move to Marseille after the player claimed his agents had given him ‘bad’ advice.
The midfielder became a regular in the Marseille side over the following seasons and represented the Ligue 1 giants in the Conference League, Europa League and Champions League during a four-year stay at the Stade Velodrome. Gueye spent time on loan with Sevilla before making a permanent switch to Spain when he signed a four-year deal with Villarreal during the summer of 2024. An impressive return of 10 goals in 75 appearances and his performances at international level have now reportedly triggered interest from elsewhere.
What has Pape Gueye achieved at international level?
Gueye initially earned youth caps at international level with France after appearing for Le Bleus Under-18s and Under-19s alongside the likes of future Bayer Leverkusen and Aston Villa winger Moussa Diaby and Roma defender Evan Ndicka. However, a first cap at senior level came with Senegal in November 2021 when he came off the bench for the final half-hour of a World Cup qualifier against DR Congo. Gueye was part of the Senegal squad that won the African Cup of Nations in 2022 and earned his 45th cap as the Lions of Téranga exited this summer’s World Cup finals with a dramatic round of 32 defeat against Belgium on Wednesday night.
Why has Pape Gueye ‘taken a break’ from international football?
The midfielder started Senegal’s round of 16 defeat against Belgium - but was replaced by reported Newcastle United transfer target Lamine Camara midway through the second-half. The Villarreal star appeared to express his dissatisfaction with Senegal’s coaching staff after the game as he said: "I will come back to say a few words about the elimination... but I am announcing today that as long as this coaching staff is in place, I will be taking a break from the national team."
What is Pape Gueye’s playing style?
According to the WhoScored website, Gueye’s strengths are his ability to read play, long shots, contributing to defensive actions and holding on to the ball in difficult situations. However, the same site also claims the midfielder can suffer from lapses in concentration.
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