Sunderland pursuing deal for “constant threat” who’s better than Fatawu

Reports linking Sunderland with a January move for Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu were quickly played down after initial speculation emerged late last week.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke claimed on Friday that the Black Cats were weighing up a potential approach for the Leicester forward during the winter transfer window.

However, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie swiftly dismissed those suggestions, insisting that Fatawu is not a target for Sunderland this month.

Downie further revealed that the left-footed winger had previously been offered to Sunderland following Leicester City’s relegation last summer. On that occasion, the club chose not to pursue a deal, and there is no intention to revisit that decision during the current window.

Fatawu endured a difficult spell in the Premier League last season, registering just two assists in 11 appearances and failing to find the back of the net as Leicester slipped back into the Championship.

While the 21-year-old has enjoyed greater success this term, scoring five goals and providing seven assists in the second tier — including a spectacular effort from the halfway line — Sunderland’s stance on the player appears unchanged.

Sunderland tracking Serie A talent instead

Supporters need not be overly disappointed by Sunderland’s lack of interest in Fatawu, as the club is reportedly monitoring an alternative target who could represent a more significant upgrade in attack.

According to Italian outlet Il Mattino, via Sport Witness, Sunderland are among several clubs interested in signing Napoli winger Noa Lang before the January transfer window closes. Fulham, Everton, and Leeds United are also said to be tracking the Netherlands international as they look to reinforce their attacking options.

The report suggests that Lang’s relationship with Napoli head coach Antonio Conte is less than ideal, which could open the door to a potential exit. Napoli are believed to be willing to sanction a sale should a suitable offer arrive in the coming weeks.

At this stage, it remains unclear whether Sunderland are prepared to submit a formal bid or what fee would be required to persuade the Serie A side to part ways with the winger.

Why Noa Lang would represent a stronger signing

While Fatawu has shown flashes of promise in the Championship, his struggles at Premier League level raise questions about his readiness to perform consistently in the top flight.

The youngster has yet to score a league goal outside England’s second tier and has managed only two assists across spells in the Premier League and Liga Portugal, according to Sofascore.

That lack of proven top-level output would make Fatawu a risky acquisition for Sunderland, particularly if promotion or survival ambitions are a priority. In contrast, Lang arrives with an established track record in Europe’s leading leagues.

The Dutch winger has demonstrated his quality in the top divisions of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy, starring for Club Brugge, PSV Eindhoven, and now Napoli. This level of experience suggests he would be better equipped to adapt quickly to English football.

Despite limited minutes in Serie A this season, Lang has still managed to make an impact, scoring once, providing two assists, and creating four big chances in just seven starts for Napoli. Those numbers underline his attacking threat even when opportunities have been restricted.

More importantly, Lang’s form prior to his move to Italy paints the clearest picture of his potential value.

Over the previous five seasons with PSV and Club Brugge, the 26-year-old consistently delivered goals and assists, earning praise for his creativity and end product.

U23 scout Antonio Mango previously described him as a “constant threat,” a reputation backed up by his output across multiple campaigns.

Unlike Fatawu, who is still yet to prove himself beyond the Championship, Lang has already shown he can influence matches at the highest level in several countries.

That proven pedigree makes him a far more appealing option for Sunderland as they look to strengthen their attacking unit.

With that in mind, Sunderland’s decision to steer clear of a move for Fatawu may ultimately prove to be the right one.

Instead, Regis Le Bris’ side would be better served by pushing ahead in the race to sign Lang, potentially beating Premier League rivals to his signature and adding a proven match-winner to their squad for the second half of the season and beyond.