Sunderland have confirmed the departure of Edouard Michut with Premier League high-flyers Fulham and arch rivals Newcastle United now looking to snap up the Paris Saint-Germain starlet instead.
Not many players over the years have made the trip from the Stadium of Light to St James’ Park. Even fewer have done so after struggling to nail down a starting spot in the red-and-white of Sunderland.
But Edouard Michut – despite coming off the bench more often than he started under Tony Mowbray – could be about to make a rather eye-catching switch from one North East outfit to another; Sky Sports claiming that Newcastle could take a punt on a 20-year-old playmaker who’s Sunderland departure was confirmed in midweek.
“We thank him for his contribution,” says Black Cats chief Kristjaan Speakman, via The Chronicle.
“He is highly respected by all at Sunderland AFC. But following a period of dialogue with the player and his representatives, all parties mutually agreed it was best to pursue other opportunities at this moment in time.
“We have thoroughly enjoyed working with Edou and wish him well for the future.”
Will Newcastle now sign Edouard Michut after Sunderland exit?
Sunderland, Fabrizio Romano reports, had a £2 million option-to-buy clause in Michut’s contract. One that would have risen to £4.5 million had Mowbray’s side beaten Luton Town – and then Coventry City – in the Championship play-offs.
His place is likely to be taken in the Sunderland squad by Jobe Bellingham. The younger brother of Dortmund superstar Jude is reportedly heading to Wearside from Birmingham City for around £3 million.
“Hi Sunderland fans,” Michut says. “Thanks for all the great times and great hospitality.
“(I am) Disappointed we didn’t end up at Wembley. I will never forget this season. Thanks to all of you.”
Romano believes that Fulham is another potential destination for a stylish, cultured central midfielder who should fit in nicely under Marco Silva at Craven Cottage.
Michut was labelled the second coming of Marco Verratti by some during his formative years across the Channel.
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