“Now or Never: Sunderland Must Strike Fast to Beat Leeds & Burnley to ‘Excellent’ Bargain Star!”

Following their dramatic return to the Premier League, Sunderland are wasting no time bolstering their squad in preparation for the top flight. Their transfer activity has already begun with a significant statement of intent: securing Roma loanee Enzo Le Fée on a permanent deal for around £20 million. Now, the Black Cats, along with fellow newly-promoted sides Leeds United and Burnley, are in a fierce battle to land Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga who is quickly emerging as one of the summer’s most intriguing bargain targets.

According to reports from Give Me Sport, Tanganga is attracting serious interest from all three clubs, with Sunderland, Leeds, and Burnley locked in a race to trigger his modest release clause believed to be just under £2 million. The clause represents extraordinary value for a defender of Tanganga’s experience and pedigree, making this a transfer tug-of-war worth watching.

Tanganga, 26, is a product of the Tottenham Hotspur academy and has long been recognized for his physicality, versatility, and composure under pressure. After several seasons of intermittent appearances for Spurs, he sought regular first-team football and found a new lease on life at Millwall. Under the stewardship of former Sunderland boss Alex Neil, Tanganga flourished earning the title of Millwall’s Player of the Season. His consistent performances in the Championship, particularly in a defensively solid Millwall side, have reignited interest from top-tier clubs.

Speaking via Southwark News, Millwall manager Neil lauded Tanganga, saying: “He’s a key member of our team. What happens in the summer, at the moment, I’m not quite sure how that lands. I don’t know what his views on it are.” Neil’s uncertainty hints at Tanganga’s openness to a Premier League return particularly if a club with a clear project and ambition comes calling.

That’s where Sunderland may have the edge.

With Kyril Louis-Dreyfus providing a substantial £100 million transfer war chest boosted further by the recent sale of academy product Tommy Watson and Jobe Bellingham’s expected move to Borussia Dortmund the Wearside outfit has both the resources and the ambition to act decisively in the market. They’ve already shown they’re not afraid to spend big, as seen with the Le Fée deal, and the club’s hierarchy remains committed to building a squad that can compete in the Premier League sustainably.

Another potential advantage for Sunderland is their existing links to Tanganga’s circle. The club’s technical leadership under Regis Le Bris, as well as recruitment figures with knowledge of the London and Championship circuits, may help sway the player. While the competition is stiff Leeds United are a massive club with similar ambitions, and Burnley offer the allure of Premier League survival experience Sunderland’s project appears to be gaining real traction.

Moreover, Sunderland are already targeting additional defensive reinforcements, reportedly eyeing a £20 million move for Monaco’s Wilfried Singo. With club chief Juan Sartori’s connections to AS Monaco, this move could be facilitated smoothly. However, Tanganga presents a more cost-effective alternative or complementary option, allowing Sunderland to strengthen multiple areas without depleting their budget early in the window.

In a season where stability and squad depth will be crucial for all three promoted clubs, securing a versatile and “excellent” defender like Tanganga could be a defining move. Capable of playing as a centre-back or full-back, his flexibility offers tactical options for Le Bris and ensures coverage in multiple areas of the pitch. His blend of Premier League experience, physical attributes, and renewed confidence after a standout season makes him a low-risk, high-reward signing.

Should Sunderland manage to win this race, it would not only represent a savvy piece of business financially but also symbolically signal their intent to compete and remain in the Premier League. The Black Cats are on an upward trajectory if they can continue to outmaneuver rivals like Leeds and Burnley in the market, they may not just survive but thrive in their top-flight return.

For now, all eyes are on Tanganga and which direction he chooses. Sunderland will be hoping their project, ambition, and readiness to act quickly will tip the scales in their favor.