Sunderland ‘linked’ with £10m Rangers and Celtic target ahead of summer window | OneFootball

According to Football Insider, Sunderland are among several clubs eyeing 23-year-old Schalke midfielder Soufiane El-Faouzi ahead of the summer window, with Brentford, Bologna, Rennes, Celtic and Rangers also linked.

Premier League clubs are considered better placed financially should a race emerge.

El-Faouzi enjoyed a standout season, helping Schalke win promotion back to the Bundesliga. He made 35 appearances, starting every game, and delivered two goals and five assists. Schalke are reluctant to sell after going up, and a fee in the region of £10m has been mooted to tempt a sale.

That valuation could make a move challenging for Celtic and Rangers, while Sunderland and Brentford may be in a stronger position if either Premier League club decides to act. Celtic are looking at midfield reinforcements, but rival interest from England, Italy and France could complicate any Scottish bid.

For Sunderland, the link arrives as planning ramps up for a second season back in the Premier League. Régis Le Bris’ side have shown a willingness to recruit overseas, and El-Faouzi fits a profile of a player on an upward curve after a promotion-winning year.

Midfield is expected to be an area to watch as Sunderland seek to build on an encouraging return to the top flight. For now, this remains one to monitor, with Schalke under no pressure to sell and multiple clubs credited with interest. If Sunderland do move, Premier League status could make them a serious contender.

Source: Sunderland Echo