Newcastle United and Sunderland are current competitors in the pursuit of a “top-level” teenager, and the Magpies are prepared to make a significant investment.

Sunderland is currently in a competitive situation with Newcastle United in the pursuit of a “top-level” teenager, and the Magpies are prepared to make a significant investment.

DEBRECEN, HUNGARY – NOVEMBER 28: Semih Kilicsoy of Besiktas gestures during the UEFA Europa League 5th week match between Besiktas and Maccabi Tel Aviv at Nagyerdei Stadium in Debrecen, Hungary, on November 28, 2024. (Photo by Halil Sagirkaya/Anadolu via Getty Images)

One of the most acrimonious rivalries in English football is between Newcastle United and Sunderland. The upcoming season may even feature the first league match between the two since 2016. The inaugural Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 occurred in January 2024. The Stadium of Light was sold out for the FA Cup match between the two teams.

However, Newcastle United obtained a 3-0 victory over Sunderland, which ultimately resulted in a dismal season for the Black Cats.Regis Le Bris’s Sunderland team is currently in fourth place in the Championship table, three points behind the automatic promotion spots and five behind leaders Leeds United, following a 2-2 draw with Plymouth Argyle over the weekend.

Sunderland has acquired Enzo Le Fee on loan from Roma thus far in January. Newcastle United may have surpassed the Black Cats in their pursuit of one of their emerging targets, but it is inevitable that additional acquisitions will occur at the Stadium of Light.

Newcastle United and Sunderland are in a competitive bid to acquire Semih Kilicsoy. Recently, there have been allegations that Sunderland is considering a transfer for Semih Kilicsoy, a forward for Besiktas. The 19-year-old exploded onto the scene in 2023/24, scoring 11 goals in 23 SuperLig appearances.

However, he has only scored once in 19 league games for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team this season.Nevertheless, Newcastle United is interested in signing the teenage striker and is prepared to pay €19 million (£15.9 million) before the February 3rd transfer deadline, according to Turkish outlet Milliyet. Aston Villa and Ajax have also been associated in recent days.

Sunderland appears to be eager to acquire a striker prior to the conclusion of the winter transfer window. Matija Frigan of Westerlo, Chuba Akpom of Ajax, and Emil Riis of Preston have all been associated.Solskjaer, who was appointed earlier in January, quickly recognised Kilicsoy’s potential, describing him as a “top-level” athlete.

This may suggest that Solskjaer intends to retain the striker beyond the January transfer window, as his contract is set to expire in the summer of 2028. However, Newcastle’s reported willingness to pay nearly £16 million may effectively eliminate Sunderland from a potential deal, unless a loan-to-buy arrangement can be reached, a prospect that remains ambitious.