DEBRECEN, HUNGARY - NOVEMBER 28: Semih Kilicsoy of Besiktas gestures during the UEFA Europa League 5th week match between Besiktas and Maccabi Tel Aviv at Nagyerdei Stadium in Debrecen, Hungary, on November 28, 2024. (Photo by Halil Sagirkaya/Anadolu via Getty Images)
One of the fiercest rivalries in English football is between Sunderland and Newcastle United. We might even witness the two teams’ first league matchup since 2016 next season.
The first Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 took place in January 2024. The Stadium of Light was sold out for the FA Cup match between the two teams. However, Sunderland lost to Newcastle United 3-0 in what turned out to be a dismal season for the Black Cats as a whole.
Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland team is now in fourth place in the Championship standings, three points behind the automatic promotion spots, and five behind leaders Leeds United following their 2-2 draw with Plymouth Argyle over the weekend.
Enzo Le Fee has been loaned to Sunderland from Roma thus far in January. More additions at the Stadium of Light are unavoidable, but Newcastle United may now beat the Black Cats to one of their new targets.
Sunderland and Newcastle United are in competition to recruit Semih Kilicsoy.
According to recent sources, Sunderland is considering a transfer for Semih Kilicsoy, a forward for Besiktas. Though he has only scored once in 19 league games for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team this season, the 19-year-old made his debut in 2023–24 with 11 goals in 23 SuperLig matches.
However, according to Turkish publication Milliyet, Newcastle United would be prepared to spend €19 million (£15.9 million) to recruit the teenage striker before to the February 3rd transfer deadline. In recent days, Aston Villa and Ajax have also been connected.
Before the winter transfer window closes, Sunderland is eager to acquire a striker. Emil Riis of Preston, Matija Frigan of Westerlo, and Chuba Akpom of Ajax have all been mentioned.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s true feelings on Semih Kilicsoy
In 2024–2025, Kilicsoy has undoubtedly had difficulty in front of goal. However, given that some elite teams are interested in him and that he appears to be carrying a hefty price tag, it is evident that he is still a highly respected player in European football.
Kilicsoy was added earlier in January, and Solskjaer quickly recognised his potential. The former Manchester United manager called Kilicsoy a “top-level” talent.
Given that the striker’s contract expires in the summer of 2028, that would suggest Solskjaer intends to retain him past this January transfer window.
However, given that Newcastle is apparently willing to spend around £16 million, Sunderland may now be virtually eliminated from a deal unless a loan-to-buy arrangement can be reached, which still looks unrealistic.
