Sunderland pushing for signing – Black Cats set to submit higher offer
Sunderland have sealed a move for Sassuolo’s Armand Lauriente and the Black Cats are now pushing to land another player from Serie A.
The man in question is Bologna’s Jhon Lucumi, who has been on the radar of Bournemouth and AS Roma as well.
Corriere di Bologna report Sunderland are pressing for the Colombian’s signature, even if there are doubts about whether the centre-back would accept a move to a side which will not play in European competitions next season.
Lucumi’s contract at Bologna expires in the summer of 2027 and the Italian side are trying to renew it, but if the player rejects those renewal advances, he could depart for a fee close to €25m.
Sunderland are about to make an offer north of €20m, having previously had a lower bid rejected by Vincenzo Italiano’s side.
Other competitors like Bournemouth and AS Roma aren’t mentioned in the report. Sunderland now look like they’re leading the pack in this transfer race.
Armand Lauriente joining Sunderland squad in Portugal
ARMAND Lauriente is expected to be in attendance to watch Sunderland’s friendly against Sevilla tonight as he puts the finishing touches to his £17.5m move from Sassuolo.
The forward was flying to Portugal today to undergo his medical after the Black Cats made a breakthrough in talks with the Italian club this week.
The 26-year-old will sign a five-year contract with Sunderland, and will take the Black Cats’ spending well beyond £100m when he becomes the seventh signing of the summer.
Laurienté starred for Sassuolo in Serie B last season, scoring 18 goals and providing six assists in 33 league appearances.
He previously played for Lorient, and was identified as a leading attacking target at the start of the summer, with the versatile forward, who is comfortable playing out wide or through the middle as a central striker, well known to both head coach Regis Le Bris and new director of football Florent Ghisolfi.
RECOMMENDED READING:
-
Sunderland’s players excited by ‘big changes’ behind the scenes
-
Granit Xhaka Sunderland transfer twist after Leverkusen chief sets out club stance
Sunderland have been patient in their pursuit of Lauriente, and have held talks with several other clubs regarding alternative targets, but a breakthrough was achieved this week and the attacker is now on the verge of completing his move.
Providing there are no unexpected hold-ups today, he’ll be in attendance tonight (8pm kick-off) as Sunderland face Sevilla in their second friendly of the summer.
Regis Le Bris’ side are again in action in Portugal on Monday when they take on Sporting, but it’s not clear at this stage when Lauriente will be ready to make his debut.
The Black Cats return to the UK after Monday’s game and are then away at Hearts next Saturday.
Sunderland remain interested in Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka and are continuing their push for a central defender, with Jhon Lucumi still a leading target.
Fresh reports from Italy claim Sunderland have had an opening offer for the 27-year-old turned down but are preparing an improved bid north of €20million.
Leave a Reply