Lois Openda or Premier League winner? – Unmasking Sunderland’s mystery striker
Sunderland are said to be closing on the signing of a “significant” new striker ahead of their season opener against West Ham.
Ten new arrivals have checked in at the Stadium of Light so far this summer, and Omar Alderete is expected to become the 11th on Tuesday after undergoing a medical on Wearside.
Only one of them is a striker, with the addition of Marc Guiu on loan from Chelsea bolstering the attacking options that Regis Le Bris will have in the Premier League.
However, it was reported on Monday that Sunderland are closing in on the signing of a “significant” new striker, and there are several options that it could be.
Sunderland had been linked with Lois Openda
This would be a stupidly ambitious move, but Sunderland were linked with a move to sign Lois Openda, and the parallels between the move are uncanny.
Florent Ghisolfi signed the Belgian at Lens throughout his time in France, before Openda then moved on to Leipzig.
Just days after the link emerged, Ghisolfi was spotted at Leipzig’s pre-season friendly clash with Lens, while Sunderland were facing Augsburg in Germany.
Days later, Simon Pryde broke the news that Sunderland were closing in on the signing of a new striker, who is expected to lead the line against West Ham.
This one still seems incredibly far-fetched, but the timeline makes an unholy amount of sense.
Artem Dovbyk could be on his way to the Premier League
Artem Dovbyk scored 17 goals in all competitions for Roma last season, attracting interest from several Premier League clubs.
Sunderland are believed to be one of them, and in shock news, so are Leeds, with a transfer to England looking very possible.
Dovbyk’s record in his last two seasons.
- Appearances – 84
- Goals – 41
- Assists – 13
The Serie A giants are said to be holding out for over £30million for the Ukrainian, which would see the Black Cats break their transfer record for the third time this summer.
Could Jamie Vardy be the mystery striker?
Jamie Vardy has been without a club since leaving Leicester this summer, and at 38 years old, it would be a fair argument to say that his best days are behind him.
However, despite that, he still started 35 times for the Foxes last season, scoring nine goals and assisting four in the Premier League.
Once again, Sunderland have been credited with an interest in the Englishman, who won the Premier League title with Leicester back in the 2015/16 season.
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