Sunderland reportedly tried to sign Sporting Charleroi midfielder Yacine Titraoui last summer
Sunderland made an attempt to sign midfielder Yacine Titraoui from Belgian outfit Sporting Charleroi last summer, according to reports on the continent.
The Black Cats embarked on an ambitious recruitment drive in the wake of their long-awaited promotion back to the Premier League, bringing in 14 new acquisitions and spending in excess of £150 million.
In amongst their influx of fresh faces was Noah Sadiki, who joined from Union Saint-Gilloise and has since gone on to establish himself as one of the most exciting midfield talents in the English top flight, and Chemsdine Talbi, who has produced a number of memorable moments this season since completing a switch from Club Brugge.
Regis Le Bris’ men would then plunder the Belgian market again in January, wrapping up a deadline day swoop for RSC Anderlecht winger Nilson Angulo for an initial fee of around £15 million, plus a further £2.5 million in potential future add-ons.
But according to a fresh report from La Derniere Heure, the Black Cats could have added yet another Jupiler Pro League talent to their ranks in preseason. The continental publication suggest that the Premier League new boys made an attempt to prise Titraoui away from Charleroi, only to be thwarted in their efforts.
Nevertheless, it is claimed that a move to England could still be on the cards for the Algerian international, who has scored four goals and assisted two more from the centre of midfield across 27 outings in all competitions this term. Titraoui is reportedly represented by a major English agency, and the prospect of a Premier League transfer continues to be touted.
For their part, Charleroi are hoping to make a significant profit on any deal for the 22-year-old, especially if he ends up completing a switch to England. The Belgian side would not receive the full amount of any fee for the player, however, as AC Paradou, his former club, secured a substantial sell-on fee as part of the agreement that took him from Algeria to Europe in 2024.
The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join ourSAFC WhatsApp channel.
What has Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris said about new signing Nilson Angulo?
Elsewhere, Sunderland boss Le Bris hinted that new signing Angulo could feature in some capacity against Premier League leaders Arsenal on Saturday afternoon. Speaking in a press conference on Thursday, the head coach said: “Nilson will arrive this evening.
“We'll see when he'll be with us [how quickly he can be involved]. He played a lot, so he's fit. Now it's a question of connection with his teammates, with the squad. It could be quick and I hope it will be the case. We'll see, but he could be involved on Saturday.”
Speaking on Monday night shortly after Angulo’s signing was confirmed, Le Bris said: “We have worked with the recruitment structure on his profile. I think he is a strong, powerful tall winger with strong physical ability. He has this South American style of play as well, with the ability to be creative. He likes the one-v-one situations, he has this character. After that, he will probably need time to connect with his team-mates and the league, but you never know, sometimes it is really quick, sometimes it takes time. But we are really happy to have him.”
Continue Reading