Sky Sports have reported movement on Sunderland’s deadline-day business, with one transfer described as complete
Sunderland are in the process of finalising the permanent departure of Adil Aouchiche, with the midfielder set to join Schalke 04.
Aouchiche has spent the current season on loan at Aberdeen, meaning Sunderland were not directly involved in day-to-day negotiations until the permanent structure of the move was agreed. According to Plettenberg, no transfer fee will be involved, with Sunderland and Schalke now completing the final paperwork ahead of the player’s medical.
The move brings an end to Aouchiche’s time on Wearside, less than two years after he arrived from Lorient on a five-year contract. While his technical quality was evident, the France youth international struggled to secure a consistent role in Sunderland’s first team.
German transfer reporter Florian Plettenberg reported on Monday that a deal has been agreed, with Aouchiche heading to the German club on a permanent basis. Posting on X, Plettenberg wrote: “Adil Aouchiche to Schalke 04 – done deal. Verbal agreement reached with Aberdeen. Permanent deal. No transfer fee will be paid. Schalke and Sunderland are currently finalising the last details. Medical today. The 23-year-old versatile winger/midfielder is keen on the move.”
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Aouchiche is a graduate of Paris Saint-Germain, where he made his professional debut aged 17 and became the youngest player to score for the club in the Coupe de France. He later moved to Saint-Étienne before signing for Lorient, continuing his development in Ligue 1.
After joining Sunderland in September 2023, Aouchiche was loaned out in search of regular football, spending time with Portsmouth before moving to Aberdeen on a season-long loan last summer. His performances in Scotland have now led to a permanent opportunity elsewhere.
For Sunderland, the deal allows the club to move on a player who never quite found a settled role, as Kristjaan Speakman continues to streamline the squad. Schalke are expected to complete the transfer once the final details are signed off.
Chelsea have been open to moving the 19-year-old on due to limited first-team opportunities, despite his productive output since breaking into senior football. George has recorded six goals and six assists in 37 appearances, and attracted interest from clubs in England and abroad. Fulham had agreed a £22million deal for the winger last summer before later withdrawing to pursue alternative targets.
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