Credit: Imago

Pete Hanson

Tue 10 February 2026 12:10, UK Updated Tue 10 February 2026 13:54, UK

Sunderland are reportedly tracking Royal Charleroi midfielder Yacine Titraoui.

According to AfricaFoot, the Black Cats attempted to sign the Algeria international during the summer transfer window last year, but were unable to finalise a deal for his services.

The 22-year-old is said to be eyeing a move to the Premier League to take the next step in his development after impressing in the Belgian Pro League.

MOT Leeds News reported last week that the Black Cats’ Premier League rivals Leeds United are also thought to be among those in the race for his signature.

Leeds are said to be keeping a close eye on Titraoui, who has four goals in 22 Pro League appearances this term, and are impressed by his technical ability. Ligue 1 outfit Lille are also reportedly tracking his situation.

• Read more: While Yacine Titraoui could join, here are the players who could leave Sunderland this summer

Who else have Sunderland and Leeds competed over in the transfer market?

Supporters of both Sunderland and Leeds will not be entirely surprised to see that both clubs have been linked to the same transfer target.

After both were promoted from the Championship last season, the two were actively in direct battle for several transfers to prepare for life back in the top flight.

Habib Diarra was among those linked to Leeds before he agreed a club-record £30million deal with the Mackems, while Noah Sadiki’s name was almost mentioned with a switch to West Yorkshire before plumping for the Stadium of Light.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin did make the move to Elland Road on a free transfer after leaving Everton, with the England international having been on Sunderland’s radar.

Now, seemingly, the two clubs could once again be going up against one another with Titraoui looking destined to swap Belgium for the Premier League in the coming months.

• Read more: Brian Brobbey is being eyed up for a surprise Sunderland exit in the summer

What would Titraoui’s signing mean for Sunderland’s other midfielders?

It is no secret that Sunderland splashed the cash in the summer transfer window, and some canny investment helped Regis Le Bris‘ side to establish themselves back in the top flight.

However, the midfield engine room is certainly one where they are strong in right now, so the signing of Titraoui would leave the Frenchman with a bit of a selection headache.

When captain Granit Xhaka is fit, the 33-year-old simply has to start. He is not only the captain, but he is a player with a wealth of experience who has taken Sunderland’s demands to new heights.

Diarra and Sadiki have been partnered together in recent weeks, with the former finally getting a long run in the side, having missed large parts of the campaign due to injury and the Africa Cup of Nations.

If Titraoui were to sign, though, you would assume it would mean either Diarra or Sadiki sitting out, though it would mean a tactical reshuffle or even playing the Algeria ace a little further forward.