Sunderland are one of a number of sides interested in a deal for centre-back Ahmet Gurleyen, according to German publication Fussball Transfers.
25-year-old Gurleyen currently plies his trade in his home country, for German third division side Hansa Rostock. The side find themselves in mid-table, having played in the 2.Bundesliga in recent years, but Gurleyen has still caught the eye despite his club’s modest position.
This is the player’s first season at Rostock, and he remains under contract in Northern Germany until Summer 2027, so a decent fee may be needed. He has played at a number of levels in the German football pyramid, with his breakthrough at Bundesliga side Mainz. After one appearance, he joined former loan side Wehen Wiesbaden permanently, before a move to Nuremberg in the second tier. He then moved to his current club, where he has played 26 times this season.
The Black Cats are going well in the Championship, with Regis Le Bris’ side looking for promotion to the Premier League. They currently sit 4th in the second tier, but are a distance away from the automatic spots. This weekend’s loss to Leeds United won’t have helped matters on the pitch, and off the pitch they are having to prepare for the possibility of top-flight football next season, and recruitment is part of that.
Despite the interest, Gurleyen has very little high level experience and has a decent chunk left on his contract, so it remains to be seen whether a move will happen.
Writer’s View
This is a pretty strange move. Gurleyen is likely a completely unknown name for Sunderland fans, and is currently playing at a pretty low level with all due respect. He also has very little experience at higher levels, having spent most of his career outside the German top-flight. At 25, he’s also not a signing for potential, with very little room for development. With these two factors, it seems unlikely he will help Sunderland, particularly if they’ve got the Premier League in their sights. Frankly, this deal seems unlikely.
