Sunderland find Lauriente alternative with offer ready for Champions League winger
Sunderland were rightly getting excited about the potential signing of Armand Lauriente before a deal collapsed.
The left winger was in phenomenal form for Sassuolo last season and delivered an impressive 25 goal contributions in all competitions.
However, the deal fell through despite Lauriente jetting into Portugal to link up with Sunderland.
Now, it appears that the Black Cats have found a promising alternative and are ready to make a move.
Sunderland target Galatasaray star Baris Alper Yilmaz
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has been working hard to acquire Granit Xhaka, and a deal appears close for the Swiss international.
The Wearside faithful are understandably buzzing at the imminent arrival, given his exploits for Bayer Leverkusen.
Indeed, Xhaka’s arrival at the Stadium of Light could trigger further elite talent to move to the North East.
Now, Sunderland are interested in Galatasaray left winger Baris Alper Yilmaz, according to HT Spor (29 July).
| Statistics | Armand Lauriente | Baris Alper Yilmaz |
| Appearances | 34 | 48 |
| Goals | 19 | 14 |
| Assists | 6 | 6 |
| Goal contributions | 25 | 20 |
While many clubs, including West Ham, Aston Villa, and RB Leipzig, are keeping a close eye on the 25-year-old, it is the Black Cats who hold the most serious interest.
The Turkish outlet reports that the North East club have been watching him for a long time and are preparing an official offer this summer.
They add that the Wearsiders had previously been interested in former Galatasaray player Kerem Akturkoglu, although a move never materialised.
Although Yilmaz does not insist on leaving, it is a dream of his to play in England, and if an attractive offer comes in, the transfer can be put on the table.
Yilmaz is the perfect alternative to Lauriente
While Lauriente’s stats in Serie B are admirable, it is important to remember the quality of that division.
Yilmaz, on the other hand, plays for Galatasaray, who won the Turkish title and will be playing Champions League football next season.
With 20 goal contributions last term, Yilmaz has demonstrated his prowess in the final third and is exactly what Regis Le Bris is looking for.
Furthermore, with Romaine Mundle out injured, it is understandable that Sunderland want another quality player for the left wing.
The 25-year-old’s potential fee would be interesting, but Louis-Dreyfus has shown he is willing to spend substantially.
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