Armand Lauriente truth emerges after failed Sunderland transfer this summer
Sunderland enjoyed an emphatic transfer window, but not all of their plans came to fruition.
Armand Lauriente’s move to Sunderland seemed to be a formality, only for the move to collapse in the final stages.
However, the Black Cats were still able to secure some talented wingers, with Chemsidine Talbi, Simon Adingra, and Bertrand Traore all drafted in.
While there was plenty of speculation around why Lauriente’s deal fell through, further details have now emerged from Italy that shed light on what really happened.
Sunderland and Armand Lauriente had contract misunderstanding
While Sunderland moved on to other targets after Lauriente, many will be wondering what might have been.
The 26-year-old was devastating in Serie B last season and delivered a goal and an assist in Sassuolo’s most recent Serie A win over Udinese.
- Lauriente made 24 goal contributions in Serie B last season
- Crossed paths with Regis Le Bris at FC Lorient
- Has one goal and one assist in all competitions this term
During the summer, Sunderland and Sassuolo had agreed a fee of around £17.5million plus add-ons for the winger.
Indeed, he travelled to the Wearsiders’ pre-season training camp in Portugal to seal the switch and even passed a medical.
Now, it has emerged that there was a misunderstanding regarding aspects of the contract that ruined everything, according to Tuttomercatoweb on 28 September.
While it is not detailed exactly what that misunderstanding was, his manager Fabio Grosso is reportedly pleased at what transpired.
Could Black Cats move for Armand Lauriente again?
Sunderland have thrived in their opening Premier League games and will have no regrets over what happened in the summer.
However, given that the Wearsiders were keen to bring Lauriente to Wearside, is there a chance he could join in the future?
Well, much of that will depend on how Le Bris’ left-wingers perform this season, and so far, there is no need to panic.
However, the left wing has been an area where Le Bris has regularly tinkered, with Adingra and Enzo Le Fee both starting over the first six games.
Sunderland will be buoyed by the return of Romaine Mundle next month, and while he needs time to return to fitness, he will provide added quality on the left.
Of course, if Lauriente continues to make his mark on Serie A, then the Black Cats may decide to look at him again.
However, my feeling is that the Frenchman’s ship has sailed and that we should look ahead rather than back.
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