Sunderland have made Karl Etta Eyong their priority attacking target and are hoping to reach an agreement with Levante UD for the 22-year-old Cameroon forward.
The young striker has particularly impressed Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris, who is keen to add his qualities to the club’s forward line. The French coach believes Etta Eyong could provide greater energy and effectiveness in attack as Sunderland look to strengthen their options.
Early indications suggest the player could be open to a move to the English club. Sunderland appear to have received encouraging signals in their discussions with Etta Eyong, raising the possibility that personal terms may not prove a major obstacle.
The next challenge will be persuading Levante UD to sanction the transfer. The Spanish club are not expected to part easily with their centre-forward, who remains under contract and is protected by a significant release clause.
According to information reported by The Sun, Etta Eyong’s contract contains a £26m release clause, a figure worth about €30m. Sunderland regard that sum as substantial and would prefer not to pay the full amount to secure the player’s services.
The Black Cats therefore intend to open negotiations with Levante UD in an attempt to reduce the overall cost of the deal. Their objective is to agree a transfer fee that would allow Etta Eyong to move to the Stadium of Light without Sunderland having to trigger his release clause.
The situation could develop quickly, with Le Bris pushing for a player whose qualities have caught his attention. Sunderland’s hierarchy are now focused on finding common ground with Levante UD over the value of the proposed transfer.
Should the two clubs reach an agreement, Etta Eyong could become one of Sunderland’s major attacking additions. For now, the negotiations remain centred on whether Levante UD will accept a fee below the £26m clause included in the Cameroon international’s contract.
Sunderland will soon play their third match of the English league campaign, when they face Brentford. Betting company 1xbet has listed Sunderland at odds of 6.00 to win, with a draw priced at 4.10 and a Brentford victory at 1.57.
