Costa Rica international Jewison Bennette admits PSG goalkeeper Keylor Navas is encouraging him to make the move to Europe as the winger closes in on a £1 million switch to Championship high-flyers Sunderland, speaking to Futbol Centro America.
Sunderland, it seems, will have a representative at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
18-year-old Jewison Bennette, the youngest player ever to feature for the Costa Rican national team, is on his way to Wearside, just three months before the so-called ‘Festival of Football’ begins in the Middle East (Northern Echo).
The teenage winger was pictured on Monday at Juan Santamaria airport, suitcase in hand, with England his destination.
And, speaking ahead of his unveiling as a Sunderland player, Bennette admits a three-time UEFA Champions League winner played a key role in his decision to leave Costa Rican outfit Club Sport Herediano for a new challenge on the other side of the Atlantic.
PSG star helps Sunderland sign Jewison Bennette
“Keylor (Navas) told me to always try to go to Europe,” explains Bennette. “That it was the main thing to grow football-wise. The important thing is to increase performance. The money will come later.
“I also spoke with the coach (of Costa Rica, Luis Fernando Suarez). I called him and thanked him for all the opportunities he gave me, the appreciation and the important games that were important to fulfil this dream.”
Sunderland will reportedly pay £1 million for Bennette, while handing him a four-year deal. A left-footed left-winger, he will slot into a talented Black Cats front line. Alex Neil can already call on the likes of Jack Clarke, Patrick Roberts and Alex Pritchard.
“It’s a good opportunity for Bennette,” adds Roy Miller, who played for Costa Rica against England in the 2014 World Cup.
“What he has shown has been good. You can see that he is focused. He has a mentor in his father who has already played (at a professional level).
“You can think that the English league is physical, with physical players. It remains for him to demonstrate (his abilities), just as he has demonstrated them with the national team, with his club team.
“Although there are very tall, physical players there, that doesn’t mean it will not go well for him. Hopefully he can take advantage of the opportunity.”
Sunderland are also in talks with centre-halves Jan Paul van Hecke and Moussa Sissako.
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