Nice make multi-million demand as Sunderland want Melvin Bard transfer – Exclusive
Sunderland have been carrying out substantial business ahead of their return to the Premier League.
The Black Cats have already spent over £100million on players and are not done yet as they eye more acquisitions.
As well as paying significant fees, Sunderland have also bagged Reinildo Mandava on a free transfer from Atletico Madrid.
While Regis Le Bris has several options at left back, the Wearsiders have also been linked with OGC Nice star Melvin Bard.
Sunderland told Bard price amid contract offer
Sunderland are said to have offered Bard a four-year deal at the Stadium of Light, although a fee is yet to be agreed.
Nice-based journalist Luke Entwistle, speaking exclusively to Mackem News, has provided insight regarding the defender.
“Melvin Bard is someone I’ve seen probably every game for about three years,” he said.
“At this point, I’ve been really impressed by him. I thought I’d maybe pigeonhole him as a player who didn’t have that high ceiling.
“He came from Lyon’s renowned academy, and I thought he maybe couldn’t quite cut it at Lyon, so he took a step back in coming to Nice.
“He’s really kicked on in the past two years in particular. I’d say that he was a contender for Player of the Season last term, and maybe should have won it, definitely a contender for Player of the Season the year before as well.
| Melvin Bard’s 2024/25 Ligue 1 statistics | Total |
| Appearances | 24 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Clean sheets | 4 |
| Tackles per game | 2.2 |
| Total duels won | 5 (56%) |
“Bard’s very short, but he‘s played on the left side of a back three and can also play left back, but he surprised me in his ability to play left wing back.
“He’s very feisty. He’s very aggressive, really strong in duels, doesn’t back out often, well-positioned, and doesn’t really get caught out.
“I didn’t realise how strong his attacking output is, and while statistically, it’s not anything special, I think that he does bring you something going forward.
“He does have a decent turn of pace. He likes to go around the outside rather than coming inside, so he’s maybe a little bit one-dimensional in that sense.
“His delivery is pretty good without being exceptional, but he’s just a well-rounded profile that can play left back and gives you some attacking output, while being more defensive, if that’s what you’re asking of him.
“Nice want about £26million for him because they’re now in a situation where they are under no obligation to sell – it will be a high fee for him.”
Black Cats face Bard decision
While the Wearsiders may be able to strike a deal with Bard, agreeing on a fee with Nice will be tricky.
Sunderland have already broken their transfer record twice this window, but shelling out over £25million on a left-back feels unlikely.
Of course, Bard sounds like a versatile option and can also play more centrally, but the Black Cats now face a decision on the 24-year-old.
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