Credit: Imago

Josh Edwards

Sat 26 July 2025 7:00, UK

Bafode Diakite has been linked with a move to Sunderland.

The Black Cats have done some excellent business so far this summer, but they are yet to make any real improvements to their defensive options ahead of their return to the Premier League.

Jhon Lucumi has been linked to satisfy that, as has Diakite, with Bournemouth also said to be in the race to sign the latter.

However, after the latest update emerged from Lille, Sunderland may have just received a boost in their hopes of landing the Frenchman.

Lille complete the signing of Nathan Ngoy

With all of the links connecting Diakite with an exit, Lille have moved to sign a defender of their own in Nathan Ngoy.

The 22-year-old has joined the Ligue 1 side from Standard Liege, having made a name for himself in the Belgian Pro League.

Now that the deal is confirmed, Lille may be more open to sanctioning the exit of Diakite, though they will be unlikely to lower their demands for the centre back.

Sunderland have been told it would take £34.6million to prize the talented defender away from France, which would be the third time this summer that they have broken their transfer record.

Sunderland need to invest in their defence

The key to survival is having a solid defence, and at the moment, Sunderland certainly lack that at the Stadium of Light.

However, with the season still a few weeks away, there is plenty of time for the Black Cats to address that, and it needs to be a priority.

Whether it be Lucumi or Diakite, Sunderland need to land an elite centre back to have any chance of competing in the Premier League, and having already spent over £100m this summer, fans would like to assume the money is there to do so.

Sign up for the Mackem News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Sunderland AFC news sent straight to your phone.