Sunderland may have pulled off a big transfer coup with late agreement: View | OneFootball

The signing of Salis Abdul Samed from RC Lens could prove to be an astute piece of business by Sunderland.

Sunderland completed a flurry of deals on transfer deadline day, with four players signing on Wearside before the transfer window closed.

Milan Aleksic and Ahmed Abdullahi arrived on permanent deals, while Chris Mepham and Salis Abdul Samed joined on season-long loans from Bournemouth and RC Lens respectively.

Although not many were familiar with Samed, the defensive-midfielder has an impressive track record and could prove to be a serious transfer coup for the Black Cats.

Salis Abdul Samed has performed on the biggest stages

Given Samed's experience at club and international level, Sunderland may have struck gold with the signing of the 24-year-old.

Having caught the eye while at Clermont Foot, Lens signed the Ghanian international for a reported fee of €5m (£4.22) plus add-ons in the summer of 2022.

Known for his intensity, ability on the ball and impressive pass completion rate (91%), Lens viewed Samed as the perfect acquisition to push them towards European football. Indeed, he ranked in the top five players in Ligue 1 for pass completion in the previous season.

During his first season with Lens, Samed played an integral role in pushing the French club to a second place finish on 84 points, one point behind champions, Paris Saint Germain. The midfielder also ranked sixth in the list of L'Équipe's top Ligue 1 players in 2022.

Described as the 'central cog in the heart of midfield' for Lens, Samed featured in the 97th percentile for pass completion (90.9% per 90) among Europe's top five leagues, as per Breaking The Lines.

Due to Lens' success, Samed played Champions League football for the French outfit last season against the likes of Arsenal, PSV Eindhoven and Sevilla.

Furthermore, the Ghanian has international pedigree, with 19 appearances to his name. The 24-year-old has shared the pitch with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé and Luis Suárez.

Under new manager, Will Still, Samed did not feature and was thus allowed to leave in order to play first team football; the fact he was able to leave on loan suggests he still might have a future at the French club.

Taking his club and international history into account, Samed could prove to be quite the acquisition for the Championship side.

Sunderland's central-midfield is full of quality

In previous seasons, Samed would have walked straight into Sunderland's side, but this is no ordinary season at the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats have raced out of the starting blocks this campaign and currently sit top of the pile with 12 points from a possible 12. Although the entire side has performed incredibly well, Sunderland's midfield must be given credit for their performances.

The Wearsiders' central midfield is crammed with quality like a tin of sardines, with Dan Neil, Alan Browne and Chris Rigg all tussling for a place in Regis Le Bris' side.

The trio have all had opportunities in the opening four games of the season, and this weekend's fixture with Plymouth Argyle will reveal much about who Le Bris fancies, with all three available.

Given their performances, Samed might have to remain patient before he is given an opportunity in Le Bris' side. When the Championship games come thick and fast, Le Bris will likely rotate and Samed should get his chance.

With Neil, Browne and Rigg all deserving of a spot in Le Bris' starting eleven, Samed will likely have to settle for the bench for now, but given his quality, he will be aiming to knock the trio off their perch.

Sunderland could have unearthed a jewel in Samed, given his impressive record with Lens in Ligue 1.

At 24 years of age, the defensive-midfielder already boasts Champions League and World Cup football to his name and has shared the pitch with world legends.

Despite his talent, the Ghanian will face a battle to get into Le Bris' side, with Neil, Browne and Rigg all performing well.