Sunderland, Fulham and Brentford battle for Trabzonspor midfielder Christ Inao Oulaï

Trabzonspor midfielder Christ Inao Oulaï is emerging as one of the most closely watched young talents of the summer transfer window, with Sunderland, Fulham and Brentford all reportedly making moves to secure his signature.

The Ivory Coast international only arrived in Turkey from SC Bastia last summer, but a breakthrough campaign in the Süper Lig has rapidly elevated his profile across Europe.

According to 225 Foot, all three Premier League clubs have already taken concrete steps in their pursuit, including making contact with the player's representatives.

Oulaï's performances throughout the 2025/26 season have attracted significant attention from English scouts.

The 21-year-old established himself as one of Trabzonspor's standout performers during his first season at the club, combining defensive work with attacking contributions from midfield.

Reports suggest Sunderland, Fulham and Brentford all believe his profile is well suited to the demands of Premier League football.

That conviction has reportedly pushed the trio to move beyond simple monitoring and begin direct discussions with his camp.

For Sunderland, the attraction is obvious as they prepare for life back in the Premier League and seek players capable of raising the overall quality of their squad.

Fulham and Brentford, meanwhile, continue their long-standing strategy of identifying emerging talents before their market value rises even further.

The Turkish club are in no rush to sell.

Oulaï remains under contract until 2030, giving Trabzonspor a strong negotiating position as interest intensifies.

According to the report, the club are demanding a substantial transfer fee, although no specific figure has been disclosed.

Transfermarkt currently values the midfielder at €23 million, the highest valuation of his career to date.

That figure may only represent a starting point if multiple Premier League clubs enter a bidding war.

Interest from Sunderland, Fulham and Brentford may not be the full story.

Recent reports from Turkey have also linked both Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea with the midfielder, suggesting the race could become even more competitive once the World Cup concludes.

The tournament itself may further increase his value if he continues to impress on the international stage.

However, it remains too early to predict where Oulaï will be playing next season. While Premier League interest is clearly growing, Trabzonspor's valuation and the player's long-term contract mean any potential buyer will need to submit a convincing proposal.

The most likely developments may arrive after Ivory Coast's World Cup campaign concludes. Interested clubs are expected to continue monitoring Oulaï while assessing whether Trabzonspor's demands fit within their transfer budgets.

For Sunderland, Fulham and Brentford, the challenge will be convincing both the player and his club amid growing competition. If further Premier League sides join the race, Trabzonspor's negotiating position could become even stronger as the summer window progresses.

Which club would be the best next step for Christ Inao Oulaï: Sunderland, Fulham or Brentford?