Sunderland ‘monitoring’ Christ Inao Oulaï, with Fulham and Brentford interest, as Arne Engels ‘to decide’ future | OneFootball

Sunderland are said to be monitoring Trabzonspor midfielder Christ Inao Oulaï, with Fulham and Brentford also credited with interest, as squad planning continues for the new Premier League season and their first Europa League campaign. 225Foot reports that the Ivory Coast international has emerged as a target.

The 20-year-old produced two goals and four assists in 31 outings last season as Trabzonspor finished third behind Galatasaray and Fenerbahce. His form earned a World Cup call and he could win a 12th cap when Ivory Coast face Curacao on Thursday night.

Sunderland have also been linked with Celtic playmaker Arne Engels. The Daily Record claims the Belgium international has switched agents and told the club he will make a firm decision on his future before pre-season.

Engels joined the Hoops from Augsberg in 2024 for a reported £11m and has 17 goals and 21 assists in 98 appearances. The report also notes interest from Nottingham Forest, Sunderland and Fulham, with Napoli, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund monitoring him.

Two weeks into the window, Sunderland are yet to make a signing as Regis Le Bris readies his squad after last season’s seventh-place finish on their Premier League return. Europa League football awaits.

Meanwhile, a report in France suggested Le Bris declined the chance to sign former Newcastle winger Florian Thauvin at Lorient, feeling the player was burnt out following his exit from Tigres UANL.

Source: Sunderland Echo