DEADLINE DAY SAGA: As Sunderland edges closer to SIGN teenager GOAL- MACHINE who has scored Twice in UEFA Conference League Amid Striker search fiasco.
The Sunderland Echo can confirm that Sunderland’s interest in Milan Aleksic is indeed genuine, and there is growing optimism that the Serbian midfielder will be donning a Red and White shirt before the summer transfer deadline ends on Friday.
The reported transfer fee of £3.1 million would represent Sunderland’s biggest move of the window so far and would also be the largest deal in FK Radnički’s 101-year history.
But who exactly is Milan Aleksic, and what can Sunderland fans expect from the young talent if all goes as planned? Here’s what you need to know.
Who is Milan Aleksic?
Milan Aleksic is an 18-year-old central midfielder currently playing for Radnicki 1923 in the Serbian Superliga.
Last season, he made 25 appearances, contributing significantly to his team with two goals and seven assists, helping them secure a fifth-place finish and a spot in the Europa Conference League play-offs.
Aleksic has already scored twice in this season’s UEFA Conference League qualifiers and has impressed Sunderland scouts with his ability to control games at such a young age.
According to Transfermarkt, Aleksic stands at 5ft 10in and has shown his versatility across various midfield roles, though he primarily operates as a box-to-box midfielder.
He has earned five caps for Serbia’s U18 team and three more at the U19 level. Aleksic is now on the verge of making his senior debut, having been called up for Serbia’s Nations League matches against Spain and Denmark, according to Roker Report.
Aleksic is expected to undergo a medical in the coming days and is anticipated to sign a four-year contract with Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.