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A Sunderland player reported to be earning £130,000 a week is pushing for a move away from the club after holding face-to-face talks with the Fenerbahce manager, according to reports emerging from Turkey.
Turkish publication Sabah claims the Fenerbahce boss recently met the Sunderland star to present his plans for the coming season, in a move that appears to have significantly influenced the player’s thinking ahead of the summer window.
Central to those discussions was the question of how the player would be used. During his time at Sunderland, he has largely been deployed at full-back, despite a long-standing preference for a more advanced role further up the pitch. It is understood that the Fenerbahce manager made it clear he would be used in midfield, offering the prospect of a return to a position the player feels better suits his attributes.
That assurance is believed to have played a decisive role. The player is now thought to be seriously weighing up his options, with the opportunity to redefine his role proving a major factor in his desire to leave the Stadium of Light.
The chance to test himself in a new league has also added to the appeal. A move to Fenerbahce would present a fresh challenge, as well as the opportunity to work under a manager who appears keen to build around his versatility and experience.
While Sunderland have yet to comment publicly on the situation, sources close to the player suggest his stance is becoming increasingly firm. As one account put it, “he already decide his future, he’s free to leave”.
Fenerbahce, for their part, are actively looking to strengthen ahead of the new campaign, and view the Sunderland man as a potentially important addition.
Developments are expected in the coming weeks as talks progress.
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