Credit: Imago

Evan Shaw

Sat 14 June 2025 18:00, UK

Sunderland are expected to be in the market for several new signings this summer as they look to build a squad capable of surviving in the Premier League next term.

The Black Cats secured their promotion in dramatic fashion, thanks to late goals to win both the semi-final and final of their play-off campaign.

Sunderland will know that they will require plenty of additions if they are to avoid the drop, and they will have to be shrewd with their business, considering they perhaps don’t have the same level of spending power as their fellow newly-promoted sides.

Sunderland to compete for £17m Sassuolo striker

Sunderland’s hopes of survival have taken an early hit through Jobe Bellingham’s departure, but the hierarchy worked hard to secure a deal that was of significant financial benefit for them.

Now, it looks as though some of the fee that they netted for their star are about to be reinvested into another area of the squad.

Sunderland are interested in signing Sassuolo striker Armand Lauriente, according to ASRoma Live.

The 26-year-old played under Regis Le Bris at Lorient, and it now looks like the French boss could be set to bring him to the Stadium of Light, although Sunderland are understood to be facing competition from the likes of Roma and Marseille.

Lauriente also has other admirers within Italy, but the more concrete interest is believed to have come from abroad at the moment.

The frontman is coming off the back of an outstanding season for Sassuolo, who are believed to have set an asking price of £17m on their star.

Sunderland need a goalscorer

Le Bris has worked wonders with what was the Championship’s second-youngest team, but he desperately needs to add more experienced faces to ensure his squad don’t become overwhelmed by the pressures of the Premier League.

Lauriente is yet to play in England, but does have ample top-flight experience in both Italy and France, which would surely stand him in good stead to take on the Premier League.

The Sassuolo star could provide the type of firepower that Le Bris and his men will need if they are to stay up. As good as Wilson Isidor was for the Black Cats this season, they will likely need a more prolific goalscorer leading their line if they are to have any chance of beating the drop.

Lauriente hit 19 goals in all competitions this season as Sassuolo raced to the Serie B title.

Sunderland will be hoping that he can provide a similar return for them next season, if they can get a deal over the line.