Sunderland make contact to sign “crazy” £34m star

Sunderland supporters must constantly be checking up on transfer rumours involving their busy side this summer.

The bold Premier League new boys have already welcomed in a jaw-dropping six new signings into Regis Le Bris’ camp, and supporters thought that number would reach seven when Armand Lauriente’s arrival from Sassuolo was officially announced.

The 18-goal hero had been pictured jetting into Wearside ahead of completing a statement £17m move to the Stadium of Light, but things have taken an unexpected twist.

Indeed, Sky Sports’ north east reporter Keith Downie revealed on Sunday that a deal is now off after failing to reach an agreement between all parties. As a result, Sunderland have decided to end discussions.

Lauriente had travelled to Portugal to join up with the Black Cats squad ahead of pre-season but has now had to go back to Italy.

As a result, what’s next for Sunderland?

Sunderland still pursuing £34m striker

There will come a time when Sunderland’s fast approach in the transfer market does inevitably slow down, but that doesn’t look like arriving anytime soon.

Indeed, it’s back to the drawing board for the Mackems now as Sunderland go about finding someone to make up for the fact that Lauriente won’t be arriving at Wearside this summer.

As per a development from journalist Ryan Taylor, Sunderland’s move for Almeria goal machine Luiz Suarez could now be back on after once going cold.

Indeed, the Spanish outfit have stated that they will be moving forward soon with negotiations with other clubs for their star-man, having been subjected to a slog on the end of Sporting who are waiting for Viktor Gyokeres to move to Arsenal before committing to a switch.

The Black Cats have already made contact over a deal for the £34m-rated attacker, with Burnley also previously lodging an enquiry, as Le Bris’ men now pray another statement signing is willing to call Wearside home.

Why Suarez would be even better than Lauriente

Across 33 Serie B clashes last season, Lauriente regularly tore the Italian second division to shreds, culminating in him ending the campaign with 18 goals and five assists next to his name, as promotion was also instantly won back up to Serie A for Fabio Grosso’s men.

Amazingly, Suarez was even more prolific in the Spanish second division with Almeria across 2024/25, demonstrating why, perhaps, Lauriente may not be such a miss for Sunderland if they can sign an alternative.

In total, Suarez scored 27 goals and assisted eight goals too. He also created a hefty ten big chances demonstrating his creative side.

Indeed, the striker doesn’t just possess a “crazy” record in front of goal, as he’s been labelled previously by scout Jacek Kulig, but he’s got creativity to boot, just as Lauriente has.

Yet, it’s Suarez that surely comes out on top in the two key areas for a forward, goalscoring and creativity.

He’s not a one-hit wonder either, notably bagging 19 in 38 league outings in the Spanish second division in 2019/20.

The Almeria star is clearly a prolific forward and despite missing out on Lauriente, it might not be all doom and gloom for Le Bris. Suarez looks like a pretty handy talent too.