Sunderland are reportedly intensifying their ambitious transfer strategy, targeting a second signing from Bayer Leverkusen with a move for versatile forward Amine Adli, following their £17.3 million capture of Granit Xhaka. The Black Cats, newly promoted to the Premier League under head coach Regis Le Bris, are competing with Wolverhampton Wanderers for the 23-year-old Moroccan international, who is keen on a move to England. With Leverkusen open to letting Adli go after losing key players like Xhaka, Florian Wirtz, and Jeremie Frimpong, Sunderland aim to bolster their attacking options before the transfer window closes on August 30, 2025. The move signals their intent to build a competitive squad for Premier League survival.
Adli, who contributed five goals and six assists in 42 appearances across all competitions for Leverkusen in 2024-25, offers versatility as an attacking midfielder or winger, with a knack for breaking down deep defenses. His technical ability, evidenced by a 77.8% pass completion rate and 1.8 key passes per game in the Bundesliga, aligns with Le Bris’s high-pressing, creative system. Sunderland’s interest, first reported by journalist Julien Laurens, follows their successful negotiation for Xhaka, with the club now prioritizing Adli to add flair to a squad featuring young talents like Chris Rigg and recent loanee Marc Guiu. Leverkusen’s willingness to negotiate, amid their squad overhaul post-Xabi Alonso, has given Sunderland an edge in the race.
The pursuit of Adli comes after Sunderland outmaneuvered Leeds United for Guiu and other targets, showcasing their aggressive recruitment under sporting director Kristjaan Speakman and new transfer chief Florent Ghisolfi. While Wolves have also tabled an offer for Adli, Sunderland’s recent momentum and the promise of regular minutes could sway the player, who has eight caps for Morocco and won the Bundesliga in 2023-24. However, Adli’s ambition to join a club with trophy-contending potential may pose a challenge, as Sunderland focus on establishing Premier League stability rather than immediate silverware.
Sunderland’s transfer activity, with nearly £100 million spent this summer, reflects their determination to avoid relegation. Adli’s potential arrival would complement Xhaka’s midfield control, offering a dynamic attacking threat alongside players like Jobe Bellingham and Jack Clarke, both of whom have attracted interest from European giants. As the Black Cats prepare for their Premier League opener against West Ham, securing Adli would mark another statement signing, though they must act swiftly to finalize the deal before Wolves or other suitors, including unnamed Premier League clubs, escalate their efforts.
