Sunderland are in for a fascinating summer window as they aim to bolster their squad ahead of Premier League football next year. Multiple players are anticipated to arrive and depart at SAFC, and the club have already completed two record-breaking deals.
The Black Cats have already shattered their transfer record to secure Enzo Le Fee on a permanent agreement. Meanwhile, SAFC have also finalized a record sale when Jobe Bellingham agreed on a switch to Borussia Dortmund.
Sunderland are far from finished yet though, and numerous names are connected with a move to Wearside. A fresh candidate has emerged from reports in Italy, as SAFC are keen on Sassuolo forward Armand Lauriente.
This has come from ASRomaLive, who have suggested that Sunderland are one of three clubs pursuing the Frenchman. Roma are said to be eager on Lauriente, with their new manager Gian Piero Gasperini searching for a forward similar to his former player, Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman.
French outfit Marseille are also in the hunt for the 26-year-old, who is priced at €15m as per Transfermarkt. It remains unclear at this stage if any party has submitted an official bid for Lauriente.
A different report from Tutto Mercato has stated that Sassuolo are willing to offload Lauriente. The club will be compelled into a sale if an appropriate proposal arrives.
History with Le Bris:
Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris is very familiar with Lauriente from his spell at Lorient. The Frenchman observed the attacker progress through the ranks as a youth coach before overseeing him at senior level.
This is not the initial occasion that Le Bris has sought to reconnect with his former players. Enzo Le Fee was one of Le Bris’ standout performers with Lorient, while SAFC have also shown curiosity in Lorient’s Mohamed Bamba.
Le Bris was a huge admirer of Lauriente before his transfer to Sassuolo. He fielded the 26-year-old in the opening three matches of the 2022/23 campaign before his switch to Italy.
The risky strategy:
The three promoted teams seem to be adopting a distinct method compared to recent sides that have ascended to the Premier League. All three clubs appear to be steering clear of the English market.
This is a bold way of conducting business, as the players will arrive relatively untested, at least in England. However, that will probably entail more affordable transfer fees.
Lauriente is undoubtedly an intriguing target, having displayed considerable talent in Italy over the past three seasons. Following a 19-goal campaign this year, he’d be arriving on Wearside in exceptional form.
