Sunderland step up pursuit of Levante forward Karl Etta Eyong as £26m clause looms

Sunderland have made an approach for Levante forward Karl Etta Eyong as they look to strengthen their attacking options and move ahead of rival interest.

The English club are actively pursuing the Cameroon international, with their proposed project understood to appeal to the player. Personal terms have not emerged as a major obstacle at this stage, but negotiations between Sunderland and Levante remain unresolved.

The main difficulty is financial. Levante are holding firm over the value of Etta Eyong, while Sunderland must decide whether to meet the level required to persuade the Spanish club to sell.

According to SunSport, the transfer remains complicated because of the size of the fee involved. Etta Eyong’s release clause is set at £26m, a substantial figure that would require Sunderland to commit significant funds if they are to complete the deal.

Sunderland’s interest reflects their desire to reinforce the forward line, and the club are attempting to act before the competition for Etta Eyong develops further. However, an agreement is not close, with the two clubs still needing to bridge the gap over the player’s valuation.

The English side’s next challenge will be finding a financial package capable of satisfying Levante without allowing the negotiations to stall. Levante’s position is strengthened by the release clause, which places a clear figure on the terms required for Etta Eyong to leave the club.

While the player is attracted by Sunderland’s plans, that interest alone has not been enough to resolve the wider transfer. The personal side of the proposed move is not currently preventing progress, but the clubs have yet to reach an understanding.

Sunderland will therefore need to make a sufficiently strong offer if they are to turn their interest into a deal. The £26m clause provides Levante with a significant negotiating position and leaves the English club facing a major investment in order to secure the forward.

For now, Sunderland have taken action, but the transfer remains at a complicated stage. The club are pursuing Etta Eyong with the aim of strengthening their attack, while Levante continue to protect the value of one of their most highly regarded players.