An update has emerged on Sunderland and their pursuit of Edouard Michut in the summer transfer window…
What’s the talk?
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Black Cats are set to sign the attacking midfielder before the deadline on Thursday.
He Tweeted: “Excl: Edouard Michut leaves Paris Saint-Germain and joins Sunderland, done deal. Full agreement in place on initial loan move with buy clause around €5m and future sale percentage. #PSG …and Michut is already at the stadium right now, to follow #SAFC game.”
The Chronicle’s James Hunter confirmed the last part of Romano’s claim, Tweeting: “#safc transfer target PSG midfielder Edouard Michut is here today. He is sitting below us in the directors’ box at the SoL.”
Kristjaan Speakman blinder
Sunderland have made seven additions to their squad so far this summer and Speakman is now pulling off a blinder with their soon-to-be eighth arrival.
Will Michut be a good signing?
It was reported that Scottish giants Celtic, who are in the Champions League this year, and other teams in Europe were interested in signing the midfielder, which highlights the level of competition the club have beaten off to land Michut.
The Black Cats have only been out of the third tier for a few months and are already showing the pull that they can have in the transfer market. It shows that players are aware of the size of the club and believe that the potential is there for the Stadium of Light to host Premier League football once again in the future.
Sunderland’s incredible support could help to persuade players. They have averaged 38,392 fans per home game this season in the Championship, which is over 10,000 more than Sheffield United and Norwich in second and third when it comes to attendance.
However, it may also be down to Speakman’s power of persuasion in negotiations as he has clearly convinced the player that a move to Wearside is the best next step in his development.
Football talent scout Jacek Kulig claimed that he has “natural football IQ” and once dubbed him “highly technical and creative“, which suggests that he could add a touch of quality in possession.
His eight first-team appearances for PSG by the age of 19 also suggest that he has a lot of potential as he has been deemed ready to feature for the French champions in Ligue 1.
Therefore, this move is a blinder as Speakman is bringing in a talented, sought-after, young player with the scope to develop as he gains more experience.
The initial loan also covers Sunderland from a financial point of view as they can send him back to PSG if the move does not work out, which prevents the club from splashing out a significant fee if he struggles to adapt to English football.
This is another reason why Speakman has pulled off a masterclass with this deal and hopefully, Michut will now be able to back that up with excellent performances on the pitch this season.
