Georges Mikautadze asking price revealed as Sunderland ‘to trump rivals’
Sunderland are not going to go down without a whimper on the evidence of their transfer activity.
The Black Cats are the favourites to suffer instant relegation from the Premier League, having achieved promotion via the play-offs.
However, Sunderland have already beaten Leeds United to the signing of Habib Diarra, who joined for a club-record fee of £30million.
Now, the Black Cats are targeting an ambitious move for Lyon’s Georges Mikautadze amid the French club’s current plight.
Sunderland know what they must pay for Lyon’s Mikautadze
While Roma were reportedly close to signing Mikautadze, a deal may not be as imminent as expected if recent reports are to be believed.
The relegation of Lyon from Ligue 1 has signalled interest in several of their players, including Malick Fofana, Duje Caleta-Car, and Lucas Perri.
Interest in Mikautadze is high, and the forward made 17 league goal contributions for Lyon last season.
| Georges Mikautadze’s 2024/25 Ligue 1 statistics | Total |
| Appearances (starts) | 34 (13) |
| Goals | 11 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 10.24 |
| Goal conversion | 20% |
| Assists | 6 |
| Big chances created | 9 |
Mikautadze is reportedly a target for La Liga side Real Betis, according to Estadio Deportivo (3 July).
Furthermore, they report that his sale to Roma is complicated as the Italian side are willing to go as high as £17.25million, including bonuses.
However, they go on to say that Lyon are asking for £25.88million, which could hand Sunderland an advantage.
The Black Cats have shown they will spend big in the transfer market
Given the figure being quoted for the 24-year-old, the door seems well and truly open for Sunderland.
The Black Cats have already broken their record transfer fee twice this window, and Mikautadze would be available for less than they paid for Diarra.
Moreover, Sunderland want another forward to add competition for Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda, and Mikautadze could be the answer.
He has a decent goal record for Lyon, and the North East side have utilised the French market efficiently already.
While his wages could be a stumbling block, the Black Cats have the opportunity to swoop in for the Georgian.
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