AFC Sunderland and Nottingham Forest are both monitoring Bayer Leverkusen winger Ernest Poku, according to reports emerging from Germany. The 21-year-old, who only joined Leverkusen from AZ Alkmaar last summer for a fee of €10 million, could be on the move after just one season in the Bundesliga.
Poku made 29 Bundesliga appearances for Leverkusen during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring five goals. The Netherlands U21 international demonstrated pace and direct running, becoming a regular feature in Xabi Alonso’s squad, though not always a consistent starter. Leverkusen ultimately missed out on Champions League qualification, finishing third in the Bundesliga.
Leverkusen are reportedly open to selling Poku, and believe an offer in the region of €25 million would be sufficient to secure his departure. This willingness to sell follows a similar move last year when they allowed Amine Adli to join Bournemouth in the Premier League. The club are seemingly prepared to capitalize on player assets following their near miss on the Bundesliga title and subsequent Champions League qualification.
Sunderland are entering their first season back in the Premier League and have qualified for the Europa League, making them an attractive destination for players seeking top-flight football and European competition. Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, recently received a significant financial boost through the transfer of Elliott Anderson to Manchester City for a fee exceeding €100 million, providing them with greater financial flexibility in the transfer market.
Both clubs will likely view Poku as a potential upgrade to their existing wide options. Sunderland, under Michael Beale, are rebuilding their squad after a disappointing end to the Championship season, while Forest are looking to consolidate their Premier League status after a turbulent campaign that saw multiple managerial changes. The arrival of Poku would provide both teams with additional attacking threat and tactical versatility.
