Sunderland may need to accelerate any plans for Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa after reports in Italy suggested Beşiktaş are already pushing aggressively to sign the Napoli midfielder.
The Cameroon international has been repeatedly linked with Sunderland in recent months, with previous reports indicating the Black Cats attempted to secure his signature last summer before Napoli blocked an exit.
However, circumstances now appear to be changing.
According to Il Mattino, Napoli are increasingly open to selling the midfielder after contract renewal discussions stalled.
Beşiktaş have already moved with €15m proposal
The Turkish side are reportedly making midfield recruitment a priority and have already tabled an offer worth €15 million for the 30-year-old.
Napoli are not believed to oppose a transfer, although the Italian club are reportedly seeking closer to €20 million.
That creates a potentially important warning for Sunderland.
The report suggests Beşiktaş are serious about completing the deal and are actively trying to convince the player to make the move.
However, there may still be encouragement for Sunderland.
Zambo Anguissa is reportedly not yet fully convinced by the Turkish option, potentially leaving opportunities open elsewhere.
Having previously played in the Premier League with Fulham, a return to England could remain attractive.
Sunderland interest still makes sense
Having followed Sunderland’s recruitment strategy closely throughout recent windows, experienced additions alongside younger development players have increasingly become part of the club’s planning.
Zambo Anguissa would bring something different.
The midfielder combines physical presence with ball progression and attacking movement from deeper areas.
Unlike more positionally disciplined midfielders, he frequently carries possession forward and contributes in transition phases.
| Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (2025/26) | Record |
|---|---|
| Age | 30 |
| Contract expiry | 2027 |
| Previous Premier League club | Fulham |
| Status | Napoli open to sale |
source: player and club data – 16 May 2026
There are concerns too.
Injuries have interrupted sections of his campaign and may partly explain why Napoli appear less committed to extending his stay.
Timing could become crucial
From the final weeks of Sunderland’s season, there has been growing ambition around strengthening a squad that has already exceeded expectations.
Adding a player with Zambo Anguissa’s experience would align naturally with that approach.
However, transfer situations often shift quickly once formal offers begin arriving.
Beşiktaş have already moved beyond admiration into negotiation territory.
Sunderland, meanwhile, continue to be linked but without concrete developments emerging publicly.
It remains too early to conclude where the midfielder himself ultimately wants to play next season.
Still, if Sunderland view him as a genuine target, delaying action could become increasingly risky.
Key Points
- Sunderland remain interested in Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa
- Beşiktaş have reportedly offered €15m
- Napoli are seeking closer to €20m
- Contract renewal discussions have stalled
- The midfielder may still favour a return to England
What’s next
Napoli are expected to continue discussions around the midfielder’s future as interest develops across Europe.
Sunderland may now need to decide whether admiration turns into formal action before competition strengthens further.
Would Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa be the experienced signing Sunderland need?
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