(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
Transfers

Exclusive: Sunderland set sights on Abdoulaye Doucoure deal

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.

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Sunderland are considering a free transfer move for Abdoulaye Doucoure after his Everton exit, sources have told Football Insider.

The 32-year-old's Toffees deal is up on Monday (30 June) and the Merseysiders have already confirmed he will be moving on.

Doucoure is on the list at Sunderland following their promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs last term.

The Black Cats are keen to add Premier League experience as they draw closer to agreeing high-profile deals for Habib Diarra and Reinildo.

Sunderland keen on Doucoure with Diarra and Reinildo deals close

However, Saudi Pro League clubs are also keen on Doucoure with Sunderland not yet advancing their interest in the midfielder.

Regis Le Bris' side are keen to bolster their midfield after Jobe Bellingham's huge-money move to Borussia Dortmund earlier in the summer window.

Doucoure made 36 appearances across all competitions for Everton last term, scoring four goals and notching two assists.

Jobe Bellingham, Sunderland
Sunderland must replace Bellingham's impact following his Dortmund move. (Credit: Imago)

The 32-year-old was a key man for the Toffees and had been keen to sign an extension, but has been allowed to leave as David Moyes' side embark on a rebuild.

He is vastly experienced in the Premier League and has racked up 278 appearances in the English top flight for Everton and Watford.

Sunderland, who are odds-on to be relegated this term, face West Ham, Burnley and Brentford in their first three games in the 2025-26 campaign.

Habib Diarra Sunderland
Diarra is set to sign for Sunderland in a club-record deal. (Credit: Getty Images)

Sunderland in three-way battle for striker

Meanwhile, Football Insider has revealed (28 June) that Brentford, Sunderland and Burnley are plotting moves for Senegalese striker Sambou Soumano.

Soumano has earned himself a reputation as one of the most exciting strikers in Europe following his impressive form at Lorient last season.

The 24-year-old scored 14 goals in just 11 starts to spearhead Lorient’s promotion to Ligue 1.

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