Who is Konstantinos Karetsas - Sunderland transfer target just called the 'next Messi'
Sunderland have their eyes on one of the biggest talents in world football.
17-year-old Konstantinos Karetsas is linked with a move to Sunderland, with the Greece international commanding interest from several clubs already.
Sunderland signed 14 players in the summer transfer window, whilst Chris Rigg is amongst several youngsters who are making waves at the Stadium of Light.
Florent Ghisolfi and Kristjaan Speakman have recruited brilliantly for Sunderland, but why is Karetsas so highly rated at Genk?
Konstantinos Karetsas hailed as generational talent
The Genk winger is attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, and Real Madrid, and it would be a huge coup for Sunderland.
With Karetsas likely to be sold for £20million, this would be a bargain for the Black Cats, who are continuing to build towards the future.
Karetsas broke into the Genk first team at 16, making his professional debut against Cercle Brugge in May 2024.
| Stat | Konstantinos Karetsas |
| Appearances | 63 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 6 |
Karetsas has started this campaign slowly by his standards, with Genk struggling to hit form in the Belgian top-flight.
Speaking to Belgian outlet HLN on 22 October, Genk manager Thorsten Fink defended Karetsas' start to the season.
He said: "He’s still only seventeen. Football isn’t a beach; it’s a mountain. Things can’t always go your way.
"Karetsas came into the spotlight at 16. It’s always difficult when they make you the next Messi."
The young star made his international debut for Greece in their first-leg Nations League defeat to Scotland in March, yet five days later, he scored the second goal in his country's 3-0 second-leg win at Hampden.
His potential is sky-high, and Sunderland must do whatever it takes to sign the 17-year-old.
Sunderland have started the season brilliantly, yet there are still many areas of the team in which they can improve.
Konstantinos Karetsas could make an instant impact at Sunderland
Sunderland's wingers have been underwhelming in the Premier League, and the arrival of Karetsas could provide some competition.
Simon Adingra hasn't been up to scratch, whilst Chemsdine Talbi is yet to show what he is truly capable of.
Whilst Karetsas is only 17, and the Premier League is a huge step up in quality, the Greece international's ability would definitely be game-changing.
What's undeniable is that if Sunderland were able to acquire Karetsas, he would be one of the most exciting signings the club has ever made.
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