Sunderland enter race for SM Caen striker Alexandre Mendy – report
Sunderland have registered an interest in SM Caen striker Alexandre Mendy, according to FootMercato.
The French publication reported [16 July] that the Black Cats have thrown their hat into the ring for the 30-year-old, who led the scoring charts in the French Ligue 2 last season with 22 goals.
Mendy was omitted from the Caen squad for their pre-season camp in Switzerland amid strong expectation he will leave the club, with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Riyadh also keen [The Chronicle, 16 July].
Sunderland want Mendy to bolster attack
Sunderland fans have been appealing for an out-and-out number nine ever since Ross Stewart departed the club – and even prior to that, when the now-Southampton striker sustained a long-term Achilles injury.
Try as they might with Luis Hemir, Nazariy Rusyn and last season’s Chelsea loanee Mason Burstow, the trio only scored three league goals between them in 2023-24 and a more experienced alternative is required.
If Regis Le Bris’ side do manage to land Guinea-Bissau international Mendy, he would immediately become the oldest outfield player in the squad following the departures of Corry Evans and Bradley Dack as free agents this summer [BBC Sport, 17 May].
Sunderland’s first team are currently in the midst of a training camp in Spain, which will conclude later this week with matches against Nottingham Forest and CD Eldense at the Pinatar Arena.
The club have so far signed veteran goalkeeper Simon Moore, and former Preston captain Alan Browne.