Sunderland have won the race for highly-rated Ecuadorian striker Juan Riquelme Angulo after interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs
Sunderland have completed the signing of highly-rated Ecuadorian striker Juan Riquelme Angulo Caicedo from Independiente del Valle.
The 18-year-old has signed a long-term contract at the Stadium of Light after Sunderland won the race for a player who had attracted interest from major clubs across Europe, including Barcelona and Manchester United. Standing at 6ft 4in, Angulo is regarded as one of Ecuador’s most promising young forwards and arrives on Wearside after making a rapid impact at senior level in his homeland.
He made his professional debut for Independiente del Valle in March and marked the occasion with a goal in a 3-1 victory over Mushuc Runa. Angulo has since scored six goals in 15 league appearances this season, averaging a goal every 115 minutes.
His progress also earned him a first call-up to Ecuador’s senior squad in March despite his age. Sunderland director of football Florent Ghisolfi said the club believe Angulo has the qualities to develop significantly in the North East. “Juan is a young player with exciting potential and a profile that we believe can develop very well within our football club,” Ghisolfi said.
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“There were a lot of big clubs around Europe chasing his signature, so this signing demonstrates the attraction of Sunderland AFC. His physical qualities are obvious, but he also has good movement, technical ability and a natural instinct for scoring goals.”
Angulo becomes another investment in Sunderland’s long-term recruitment strategy as the club continues to target young players with significant development potential and upside.
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