Sunderland AFC has reportedly reached an agreement with RC Lens for the loan of Ghana international midfielder Salis Abdul Samed, according to sources from Le Parisien and Foot Mercato.
Abdul Samed, who has been on the market this summer, was attracting interest from several French clubs, including FC Nantes, Stade Brestois, and AS Saint-Etienne.
However, in a surprising turn of events, the talented midfielder is set to leave France for a stint in England with Sunderland.
The 24-year-old Ghanaian international found himself sidelined under the new management of Will Still at RC Lens, having been placed in the "loft," indicating his availability for transfer.
Despite the significant interest from domestic Ligue 1 clubs, Abdul Samed’s journey is set to continue in the English Championship with Sunderland, managed by Régis Le Bris, formerly of FC Lorient.
The loan deal, which notably does not include an option for Sunderland to purchase Abdul Samed permanently, is expected to provide the midfielder with ample playing time to reignite his career.
Abdul Samed is anticipated to arrive on Wearside in the coming hours to undergo his medical, and his addition is likely to bolster Sunderland's midfield options as they push for promotion in the highly competitive Championship.