‘Sunderland given Georges Mikautadze deadline’ amid £173m reveal
Sunderland have been the busiest of the promoted sides as they strive to complete their transfer business early.
Having achieved promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs, Sunderland are the overwhelming favourites to suffer instant relegation.
However, they are clearly going to make a fist of it after a series of eye-catching deals in the transfer market already.
Sunderland are now interested in signing Lyon striker Georges Mikautadze and have been provided with a significant deadline.
Lyon must generate funds to avoid Ligue 1 relegation
Lyon are holding out for £25.88million for Mikautadze as the Ligue 1 outfit faces relegation to the second tier of French football.
The European giants have already been relegated due to financial reasons, but are appealing that decision.
Several players have been linked with a Lyon exit amid the situation, with Mikautadze among the possible departures.
Now, it has been reported that the Les Gones will need £173million to avoid relegation, according to L’Equipe (3 July).
Furthermore, the Ligue 1 club face a deadline of 10 July to generate those funds, with the sale of Mikautadze on the cards.
Much will depend on other business Lyon carries out before that deadline, but the sale of the Georgian international would be an easy way to gather quick cash.
Sunderland have already spent substantially this window, with Habib Diarra arriving for a club-record fee of £30million.
It has been reported that the Black Cats want a new striker, so could they make a move for Mikautadze?
Mikautadze would add firepower to the Sunderland attack
Sunderland are not short of options in attack, with Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor worthy options.
However, a proven top-flight goalscorer would go a long way to securing survival, and Mikautadze would be the perfect fit.
Last season, the 24-year-old bagged 17 goals in all competitions, with 11 of those coming in Ligue 1.
| Georges Mikautadze’s 2024/25 Ligue 1 statistics | Total |
| Appearances (starts) | 34 (13) |
| Goals | 11 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 10.24 |
| Goal conversion | 20% |
| Assists | 6 |
| Big chances created | 9 |
Furthermore, the Georgian bagged more than a goal every other game in his previous stint with FC Metz.
The Wearsiders have already spent big, so they would need to decide whether Mikautadze would be worth a significant outlay.
With the impending deadline, it looks certain that news on the striker’s future will gather pace imminently.
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