Sunderland Transfer News: Newcastle United Eye £41m Former Black Cats Star as Everton Move Ahead in Midfield Pursuit
Sunderland could face increased competition in their efforts to strengthen their squad ahead of the January transfer window, with several Premier League clubs reportedly targeting some of the same players being monitored by the Black Cats.
The Wearside club have been linked with a move for highly rated Ivory Coast midfielder Abdoulaye Doumbia, who has attracted attention following his impressive performances for Swedish side BK Häcken. However, Sunderland are understood to be facing competition from Everton, who have reportedly moved into pole position for the teenager’s signature.
Meanwhile, former Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham has emerged as a potential transfer target for Newcastle United. The England youngster has continued to impress since joining Borussia Dortmund in 2025, with his performances reportedly attracting interest from clubs across the Premier League.
With the January transfer window approaching, speculation surrounding potential arrivals and departures is beginning to gather momentum. Here is a closer look at the latest developments involving Sunderland, including the reported interest in Doumbia and the possibility of Bellingham making a return to English football.
Everton Move Ahead of Sunderland in Race for Abdoulaye Doumbia
Everton have reportedly taken the lead in the competition to sign BK Häcken midfielder Abdoulaye Doumbia, potentially dealing a blow to Sunderland’s hopes of securing the highly rated youngster.
The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international has become an attractive prospect following his performances in Sweden, with several clubs keeping a close eye on his development. According to Football Insider, David Moyes’ Everton are currently leading the pursuit, although Sunderland, Coventry City and Scottish giants Celtic are also understood to be among the clubs monitoring his situation.
Interest in Doumbia is hardly surprising considering the progress he has made this season. The defensive midfielder has registered 27 appearances across all competitions, contributing two goals and three assists while primarily operating in a deeper midfield position.
Having joined BK Häcken from Ivorian club ASEC Mimosas earlier this year, the teenager has wasted little time establishing himself within the Swedish outfit. His performances have demonstrated his potential, making him an increasingly interesting prospect for clubs looking to invest in young talent.
Doumbia’s current market valuation is reportedly around £4.4million. However, this should not necessarily be interpreted as the amount Häcken would accept for his services, particularly with the midfielder attracting attention from multiple clubs.
The Swedish side are also in a relatively strong negotiating position, having secured his services on a contract that runs until 2030. With several interested parties potentially preparing to compete for his signature, Häcken could demand a significantly higher fee than his estimated market value.
The club’s sporting director, Erik Friberg, has acknowledged the growing interest surrounding the teenager but suggested that there have not yet been any particularly concrete developments regarding a potential transfer.
For Sunderland, the reported interest comes at a time when manager Régis Le Bris continues to assess his midfield options and consider possible additions capable of strengthening his squad.
The Black Cats have already demonstrated a willingness to invest in young players with considerable potential, and Doumbia would appear to fit that recruitment strategy. Nevertheless, Everton’s reported advantage could make the competition for his signature increasingly difficult, particularly if further Premier League clubs decide to enter the race.
Newcastle United Eye £41m Former Sunderland Midfielder Jobe Bellingham
Newcastle United have reportedly emerged as a possible destination for former Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham, with the Magpies understood to be monitoring his situation at Borussia Dortmund ahead of the January transfer window.
The 21-year-old has continued to attract attention following his move to the Bundesliga giants in the summer of 2025. His development in Germany has been encouraging, and his performances this season have reportedly placed him on the radar of several Premier League clubs.
Bellingham has made 15 appearances across all competitions for Dortmund this campaign and has featured in every Bundesliga fixture, highlighting the importance he has quickly established within the German side.
According to former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown, Newcastle are among the Premier League clubs that could be keeping tabs on the midfielder as they assess potential opportunities to strengthen their squad.
Speaking to Football Insider, Brown suggested that Newcastle would be an obvious club to monitor Bellingham’s circumstances, particularly given their potential need for additional midfield options.
He said: “Looking at teams in the Premier League who need a midfielder, Newcastle are probably the standout options, and I’m sure they will be well aware of his situation.”
Brown also suggested that Bellingham’s chances of attracting even greater attention could increase if he maintains his impressive performances at Dortmund and earns further opportunities with the England national team.
“If he continues to impress for Dortmund and he comes into this England side, although I’m not sure how many minutes he will play, there is a real chance Newcastle could make a move,” he added.
Bellingham’s connection with Sunderland makes the reported Newcastle interest particularly interesting for supporters on Wearside.
The midfielder departed the Stadium of Light for Borussia Dortmund in June 2025 after playing an important role in Sunderland’s successful promotion campaign. His transfer was reportedly worth approximately £26million, marking a significant departure for the Black Cats following his contributions to the club.
Since arriving in Germany, he has continued his development and established himself as an important member of Dortmund’s first-team squad.
According to FootballTransfers, his estimated market value has now climbed to approximately £41million, representing a substantial increase from the fee Sunderland reportedly received for him.
However, that valuation is not an officially confirmed asking price, and Dortmund have not publicly indicated how much they would demand before considering his departure. There is also no confirmation that Newcastle have submitted an offer or are preparing a formal approach.
A potential move to St James’ Park would undoubtedly generate considerable discussion among Sunderland supporters, given the rivalry between the two North East clubs and Bellingham’s previous association with the Black Cats.
For now, Newcastle’s reported interest remains speculative, with the midfielder continuing to focus on his development at Borussia Dortmund.
Nevertheless, with the January transfer window approaching, Bellingham’s situation is one Sunderland supporters may want to keep an eye on, particularly if Newcastle decide to turn their reported admiration into a concrete transfer pursuit.