Sunderland keen on move for 19 goal ace linked with Roma
Sunderland Eye Sassuolo Star Armand Laurienté as Summer Transfer Plans Take Shape
Sunderland are preparing for a busy and potentially transformative summer transfer window as they gear up for their return to the Premier League.
With multiple ins and outs expected at the Stadium of Light, the club has already made headlines by completing two record-breaking deals.
The Black Cats have shattered their transfer record to secure Enzo Le Fée on a permanent deal, while also setting a new benchmark for outgoing transfers with Jobe Bellingham’s high-profile move to Borussia Dortmund.
But Sunderland aren’t slowing down. According to reports from Italy, the Wearside club are now targeting Armand Laurienté, a forward currently playing for Sassuolo in Serie A.
Laurienté on Sunderland’s Radar Amidst Competition
Italian outlet ASRomaLive reports that Sunderland are among three clubs tracking Laurienté, alongside AS Roma and Marseille.
Roma’s new manager Gian Piero Gasperini is believed to be keen on the French winger, with comparisons drawn to his former player, Ademola Lookman, now at Atalanta.
The 26-year-old attacker is valued at around €15 million, according to Transfermarkt, though no club is believed to have made an official offer yet.
A separate report from Tutto Mercato suggests that Sassuolo are open to selling Laurienté this summer, especially if a suitable bid is submitted.
Regis Le Bris Connection Could Be Key
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has a strong personal connection with Laurienté, having coached him during his time at Lorient. Le Bris played a key role in the forward’s development, guiding him from youth level to the senior squad.
He even started Laurienté in the opening games of the 2022/23 season before the player made the switch to Italy.
This isn’t the first time Le Bris has shown interest in bringing his former players to Wearside.
Sunderland’s signing of Enzo Le Fée and their reported interest in Mohamed Bamba, both from Lorient, underline the manager’s desire to build a team around familiar talent.
A Bold but Risky Strategy
Sunderland, along with the other newly promoted clubs, appear to be avoiding the domestic transfer market in favor of overseas talent.
It’s a bold approach — signing players who are largely untested in English football comes with risks, but it also offers better value for money.
Laurienté, however, looks like a strong candidate. The French forward has impressed in Serie A, and is coming off a standout season with 19 goals to his name.
If Sunderland can pull off the deal, they’ll be bringing in a player in top form who could make an immediate impact in their Premier League campaign.
