Armand Lauriente deal collapses: Who could Sunderland now sign instead?
Sunderland have already spent more than £100million this summer as they show they are not here to mess about during the transfer window.
Regis Le Bris’ side have benefited from the Black Cats’ minimum spending over recent seasons and now look to be making a go of it this summer in a bid to stay up next campaign.
The Mackems beat Leeds to the signings of Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra, with their fellow promoted side claiming they were unwilling to pay over the market value for the pair.
Now, Sunderland have made a similar decision of their own in the race for Armand Lauriente, and Mackem News looks at who they could sign instead.
Sunderland should turn to Oscar Bobb after Lauriente deal falls through
With Lauriente’s move having fallen through, Le Bris’s side must now move on to other targets.
Romaine Mundle’s injury has put another spanner in the works, with attacking reinforcements now a clear priority for the Black Cats.
According to Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie on X (20 July), the Mackems failed to reach a full agreement with all parties and have pulled the plug on the deal.
The Frenchman had travelled to Portugal yesterday to join up with Sunderland on pre-season, but Le Bris’ side could now target Manchester City’s Oscar Bobb.
| 2024/25 stats | Lauriente | Bobb |
| Appearances | 33 | 7 |
| Goals | 18 | 1 |
| Assists | 5 | 1 |
Le Bris has so far turned to some of his French compatriots to add to his squad this summer, but Man City have the perfect alternative for the Mackems’ attacking options.
Bobb can play on the right and the left and is reportedly eager to leave City in favour of more gametime.
It’s uncertain whether the Citizens would sanction a permanent transfer for the Norwegian, but Sunderland could always test the waters with an offer and then push for a loan move if not.
The 22-year-old has struggled to make an impression for City in recent seasons, but given the Mackems’ amount of success with young players, the Stadium of Light would be the perfect destination for Bobb.
Sunderland could be starting to run out of funds
After failing to sign Lauriente, it could be a sign that the Mackems are starting to run out of funds.
After being linked with big-money signings for the likes of Georges Mikautadze earlier in the summer, the Mackems have now been resigned to links with older and cheaper potential signings such as Granit Xhaka.
Therefore, Lauriente’s failed move could see a change in strategy for the Black Cats in the coming weeks.
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