Sunderland and Nottingham Forest have been linked with a move for a Barcelona midfielder ahead of the final week of the summer transfer window.
Sunderland boosted their options in midfield with the addition of Royal Antwerp youngster Jules Ahoka on Monday - and reports in Spain have suggested the Black Cats are showing a ‘strong’ interest in a La Liga midfielder.
Speculation over a move for DR Congo international Ahoka first aired last week before a move progressed quickly as the weekend approached. Sunderland agreed a reported £10m deal with Antwerp before the youngster arrived on Wearside over the weekend before officially following in the footsteps of Thomas Meunier and Dayaan Methalie by becoming the latest new addition to Regis Le Bris’ Europa League-bound squad.
Sunderland have been linked with a shock move for talented Barcelona youngster Marc Casadoplaceholder image
Sunderland have been linked with a shock move for talented Barcelona youngster Marc Casado | AFP via Getty Images
Speaking to the club website after completing his move to Wearside, Ahoka said: “I am very happy and proud to join Sunderland. It is a big Club with great ambitions, and I am excited to be here. I want to work hard, learn from my team-mates and the staff, and continue developing as a player. I will give everything for the Club and I cannot wait to get started.”
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Work is ongoing over possible further incomings as the summer transfer window enters its final week and Spanish outlet El Mundo Deportivo have claimed Sunderland are one of a number of clubs showing an interest in Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado. They have suggested the twice-capped Spain international is not part of Hansi Flick’s plans at the Camp Nou and will be made available if a suitable offer is received over the next week. The 22-year-old has made 75 senior appearances for the La Liga giants after making his debut in a Champions League win against Viktoria Plzen back in November 2022.
Casado is said to favour a move that will see him remain in European football after receiving ‘interesting offers’ from Saudi Pro League clubs and has been the subject of interest from Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Brighton. The La Masia product has not been given a squad number this season and the report suggests his departure from Barcelona is ‘only a matter of time’ with a fee of between £25m and £35m reported.
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