Ivorian international Franck Kessie has started the season in impressive form scoring 4 goals in 3 league games for Serie A side Atalanta.
Given the positive reports around his player, Kessie’s agent George Atangana has been speaking to Italian website Calciomercato.
Atangana revealed the 19-year-old was very close to signing for Sunderland during the summer transfer window, but work permit issues derailed the transfer.
He said: “I can confirm now. It was all done, but the transfer was not possible for a regulation of the Premier League.
“He does not meet the 75% attendance for the national team for a single appearance. He has made four and would need five to be welcomed in the Premier League. Then he went as we all know.”
The young striker has another five years left on his current deal at Atalanta, and Sunderland would certainly be disappointed for failing to sign him should he continue his brilliant form.
Work permits aren’t solely allocated on international appearances, but also transfer fee and wages paid to the player.
