Sunderland have submitted an official offer for Nottingham Forest target Archie Brown, with the Black Cats making a ‘strong effort’ to sign the Fenerbahçe left-back this summer.
The 23-year-old Englishman has emerged as a key transfer target for both clubs as they look to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Sunderland Challenge Nottingham Forest for Archie Brown
Sunderland are ready to challenge Nottingham Forest for Fenerbahçe’s Archie Brown. Vítor Pereira’s side have already made advances to bring him to the City Ground in the summer, but the Black Cats have now entered the race with a concrete offer.
On May 1st, Sport Witness covered claims from Turkey of Nottingham Forest making a €16m official offer for Brown. The Reds now face stiff competition from Sunderland as both Championship-promoted sides battle for the highly-rated left-back.
According to Turkish outlet Takvim, relayed by Sporx, Sunderland have submitted an official bid to Fenerbahçe. The report describes it as a ‘strong effort’ from Régis Le Bris’ team to snatch the player from under the noses of Nottingham Forest.
Archie Brown’s Impressive Rise
Brown is a product of Derby County’s youth system but left the club as a free agent without making a first-team appearance. He joined Lausanne-Sport for free in July 2021 and quickly established himself in Switzerland before moving to Belgian side KAA Gent in August 2023.
Last summer, Gent sold the defender to Fenerbahçe in a deal worth approximately €8.5 million. The move to the Turkish giants represented a major step up in his career, and Brown has not disappointed.
Operating mainly as a left-back, the 23-year-old has contributed five goals and seven assists in 38 appearances for Fenerbahçe during the 2025/26 season. Standing at 6ft 3in with a strong physical presence, Brown combines defensive solidity with attacking threat — traits highly valued in the modern game.
Fenerbahçe Situation and Decision Timeline
There’s no mention of the exact fee offered by Sunderland, but Takvim insists Fenerbahçe won’t make a final decision until their new management is in place. The club has confirmed a presidential election will take place on June 6-7th.
The winning group will then evaluate both Sunderland’s fresh offer and Nottingham Forest’s reported €16m bid. Fenerbahçe are believed to value Brown around the €18m mark, meaning both Premier League clubs may need to increase their proposals to stand a realistic chance.
Brown still has two years left on his contract with the Turkish club, plus an option for a further year, giving Fenerbahçe a strong negotiating position.
Why Premier League Clubs Want Brown
Archie Brown’s profile fits perfectly with what many Premier League clubs are looking for in a full-back. Technically sound, athletic, and comfortable progressing the ball, he has shown he can perform at a high level in European competitions and in a demanding league like the Süper Lig.
Transfermarkt currently values the player at €12m, although his performances this season have likely pushed his true market value higher. His agency, Epic Sports Football, will be busy managing interest from multiple parties.
For Sunderland, signing Brown would represent a statement of intent after promotion. Under Régis Le Bris, the Black Cats have built a reputation for smart recruitment and developing young talent. Bringing in a player with Premier League potential on both sides of the ball would excite fans at the Stadium of Light.
Nottingham Forest’s Interest
Nottingham Forest, managed by Vítor Pereira, have been linked with Brown for several weeks. The club sees him as a long-term solution at left-back, especially with uncertainty surrounding some current squad members.
Forest’s €16m offer was seen as serious, and reports suggested they were only €2m short of Fenerbahçe’s asking price at one stage. However, Sunderland’s late entry into the race has now complicated matters.
A move to the Premier League would represent a homecoming of sorts for the Derby-born defender, who has spent the majority of his senior career abroad. England U20 international recognition also shows he is on the radar of the national team setup.
What Next for Archie Brown?
The coming weeks will be crucial. With the presidential election at Fenerbahçe concluding on June 7th, a decision on Brown’s future could arrive shortly afterwards. Both Sunderland and Nottingham Forest will likely be monitoring developments closely and could return with improved bids.
Brown’s versatility — he can also play as a left wing-back or even further forward — makes him an attractive prospect for managers looking for tactical flexibility. His height and aerial ability also give him an edge in set-piece situations.
Whoever secures his signature will be getting a player still very much on the rise. At just 23, Brown has already shown he can adapt to new leagues and cultures quickly — a vital quality for any player moving to the Premier League.
Sunderland’s ‘strong effort’ has thrown the race wide open. What originally looked like a straightforward deal for Nottingham Forest has now turned into a competitive transfer battle between two ambitious Premier League sides.
Football transfer news rarely stays quiet for long in the summer window, and the Archie Brown saga is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing stories as clubs finalise their plans for the 2026/27 campaign.
Contract & Value Summary:
Archie Brown is contracted to Fenerbahçe until June 2028 (with an option for a further year). He is valued at approximately €12m by Transfermarkt, with his agent being Epic Sports Football.