‘Ghisolfi shows his brains again’ as Rongier stance revealed at Sunderland
Florent Ghisolfi continues to make a splash upon his arrival at Sunderland, following a fresh update in the pursuit of Valentin Rongier.
The Frenchman joined the Black Cats from Roma, and only began his work on 3 July, but he has already shown that he has a strong understanding of the transfer market.
Ghisolfi has already overseen the signing of Simon Adingra, with the former Brighton winger becoming the North East outfit’s sixth addition of what is shaping up to be a very busy summer window.
He will surely be targeting plenty more signings as he aims to bolster Regis Le Bris’ squad ahead of the club’s first top-flight campaign since 2016/17.
Sunderland end pursuit of Valentin Rongier
Valentin Rongier has emerged as another target for Sunderland in recent days, as Ghisolfi and Co. continue to explore possible incomings.
The Black Cats were understood to be preparing to battle Serie A side Como for the midfielder, who has spent the last five-and-a-half years with French giants Marseille.
The 30-year-old made 25 league appearances for Roberto De Zerbi’s side last term, as they qualified for the Champions League for the first time since the 2022/23 campaign.
However, it now seems as though Rongier could be in line to leave this summer, although he won’t be moving to Sunderland, according to Foot Mercato (11 July).
The Wearsiders have halted their pursuit of the former Nantes man, with Marseille’s valuation of £8.6million thought to be the crucial stumbling block.
Rongier decision shows Ghislofi’s credentials again
Ghisolfi has arrived at the Stadium of Light with a big reputation, having already been a sporting director in both Serie A and Ligue 1.
He showed his credentials early on with the quickfire Adingra deal, and now he has shown them again with Sunderland’s stance on Rongier.
The newly-promoted side will have cash to burn this summer, having won the Championship play-off final back in May, but that doesn’t mean they should be taking every possible opportunity to flaunt it.
Countless clubs that have been promoted from the second tier in recent years have wasted significant amounts of money on poor signings, but Ghisolfi seems determined to maximise every penny spent.
He seems reluctant to be held to ransom by any selling club, and is prepared to take stock and step away from a deal if he doesn’t feel the asking price represents a fair reflection of the player.
That appears to have been the case where Rongier is concerned, and if Sunderland can keep that up for the remainder of the window, then it will be a very positive sign for their future recruitment.
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