Sunderland keen to beat Championship rivals to Ghanaian defender, claims report

Are Sunderland looking to bolster their central defensive ranks in January?

Sunderland are keen to sign Ghanaian defender Nathaniel Adjei in January, according to reports.

The Sun claim that Sunderland are one of a number of Championship clubs that are taking a close look at the centre-back, who currently plays for Swedish club Hammarby.

Middlesbrough and Preston are the other clubs credited with an interest, with all aware that he could be available on loan in January.

The Swedish league runs from late March to early November, so Hammarby are likely to be willing to part with him on a temporary deal initially during their close season.

Beyond that, his club are believed to value Adjei in the £3million bracket, meaning a permanent deal would certainly be within Sunderland’s grasp.

Who is Nathaniel Adjei?

Adjei is 21 years old and has enjoyed a breakout season in 2023. He joined Hammarby in 2021 on an initial loan from Ghanaian club Danbort FC and was first sent to develop in their youth ranks before signing a long-term contract a year later.

Primarily a centre-back, Adjei has made a big impression since being promoted to the senior set-up, and he has caught they eye of a number of clubs as a result.

After impressing in a 3-0 win over Mjallby in August, the then Hammarby coach Marti Cifuentes went on record to predict a big future for Adjei.

“He will develop into a top-notch defender, in my opinion,” Cifuentes, who has since been appointed the new boss at QPR, said after the game.

“We know the talent we have on our hands because he has displayed glimpses of being a top-notch football player.”

While there might not appear to be room for Adjei at Sunderland now, especially with young defenders Nectarios Triantis and Jenson Seelt yet to be given a significant opportunity, the Wearside club are constantly looking at a plan of succession.

Much of that planning now will be focused upon Daniel Ballard, who is expected to be the subject of serious Premier League interest in the coming months. 

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