Having agreed a deal to sign Sassuolo’s Armand Lauriente, Sunderland are now reportedly preparing a fresh offer to sign another Serie A star for Regis Le Bris this summer.
Sunderland closing in on Lauriente
To say that Sunderland have made a survival statement this summer would be an understatement. The Black Cats have welcomed as many as six fresh faces and there seems to be more on the way.
According to Fabrizio Romano, next on their list is Lauriente. Those at the Stadium of Light have reportedly agreed a deal worth as much as €20m (£17m) to sign the French winger, who looks set to join the likes of Habib Diarra and Simon Adingra on Sunderland’s list of incomings.
It’s been quite the overhaul for Le Bris’ side as they prepare to become the first side in six promoted teams to survive in their first season back in the top tier.
Lauriente should play an important part in achieving that too. The 26-year-old winger enjoyed an excellent campaign last time out as Sassuolo earned promotion from Serie B. And whilst stepping up to the Premier League will be no easy task, last season’s 19 goals and six assists in all competitions suggest that he’s more than ready for the move.
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It is a big development at the Stadium of Light.
Despite already spending as much as €115m (£100m) with €20m (£17m) to come on Lauriente, Sunderland’s spending looks unlikely to end there. Reports are now indicating that the Black Cats are already preparing a fresh offer to sign a third Serie A star ahead of next season.
Sunderland now preparing fresh Lucumi offer
As reported by Corriere di Bologna and relayed by Sport Witness, Sunderland are now preparing a fresh €20m (£17m) offer to sign Jhon Lucumi from Bologna this summer. The newly-promoted side have already seen one offer turned down, but are seemingly set to edge closer to Bologna’s €25m (£22m) valuation in hope of advancing their move.
|
League stats 24/25 (via FBref) |
Luke O’Nien |
Jhon Lucumi |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
3,934 |
2,614 |
|
Progressive Passes |
229 |
108 |
|
Tackles Won |
31 |
30 |
|
Ball Recoveries |
155 |
176 |
Last season’s numbers indicate that Lucumi would push the versatile Luke O’Nien all the way for a starting place in Le Bris’ side, with his experience in Italy’s top flight likely to eventually pay dividends.
Described as “composed” and “ridiculously impressive” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Lucumi would join a growing list of excellent arrivals at the Stadium of Light if he swapped Bologna for Sunderland in the coming weeks. The club may also have a smooth path to negotiations on the personal side of things, given they already have dealings with the player’s agency through their representation of Dennis Cirkin.
With the Premier League campaign set to get underway in around one month’s time, Sunderland have until then to ensure that Le Bris’ side is perfectly suited to end the trend of promoted sides suffering instant failure. And Lucumi should be among their final priorities as a result.
