Promotion hopefuls Sunderland are planning on bolstering their defensive department this winter by adding a new centre-back to the ranks, according to the latest reports.
It was revealed by journalist Alan Nixon on his exclusive Patreon at the weekend that Preston North End are hoping to add Hammarby central defender Nathaniel Adjei to the squad when the January transfer window opens in a few weeks’ time.
Nixon has stated that Hammarby’s price tag may be a little high for Preston, who will look for a loan deal with an option to buy the player at the end of the season instead.
However, Swedish outlet Fotboll Direkt have weighed in on Adjei’s links to England by claiming that Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Leeds United are also keeping tabs on the 21-year-old Ghanaian and are willing to battle it out with the Lilywhites for his signature.
Adjei played under the new Queens Park Rangers manager Marti Cifuentes during his time in Sweden and could be set to follow in the Spaniard’s footsteps very soon by moving to an English side.
Transfermarkt have placed Adjei’s market value at £700k, although the player still has just under three years remaining on his current deal with Hammarby and so suitors may be forced into paying a higher fee. Fotboll Direk have reported that Hammarby will hold out for £3.5 million.
Furthermore, Fotboll Direkt have also stated that Hammarby are hoping to maintain the services of Adjei past January but will demand a 15-20% sell-on clause should they accept an offer for the player.
Sky Sports recently reported that Scottish champions Celtic have also scouted Adjei in person and are keeping a close eye on his progress in Sweden.
Writer’s View
Adjei has been one of the best centre-backs in Sweden this season and it’s likely that Cifuentes would be interested in reuniting with his former player if QPR had the required funds, although £3.5 million may outprice a lot of clubs in the Championship, including the Hoops.
However, for Sunderland and Leeds United, the fee may not be an issue, so Adjei might be playing in England in the new year.
Deputy Head of Writing
