Sunderland, Fulham and Brentford ‘to battle’ for £20m Ivory Coast midfielder | OneFootball

Sunderland have reportedly joined Fulham and Brentford in the chase for Ivory Coast international Christ Inao Oulaï.

According to 225 Foot, the Premier League trio are keen on the Trabzonspor midfielder after an eye-catching debut season in Türkiye, following his move from SC Bastia in August 2025.

The clubs have watched him closely and made initial contact with his agent, while other teams are also monitoring the 20-year-old.

Oulaï has logged 2,401 minutes across 31 matches this season, scoring twice and supplying four assists. He made his Ivory Coast debut last November, then earned a place in Emerse Faé’s World Cup squad.

He came on in the 1-0 win over Ecuador, then played the full 90 minutes in the defeat to Germany, boosting his profile on the tournament stage.

Any deal this summer would be costly, with Trabzonspor said to want around £20m. His contract runs until 2030, leaving the club strong in negotiations, and interest from several Premier League clubs could yet create competition for his signature.

Source: Sunderland Echo