‘Sunderland have simple Mikautadze decision’ as Lyon demands emerge
Sunderland look set to be faced with a straightforward decision on Georges Mikautadze in the coming days.
The Black Cats have begun their summer transfer business in impressive fashion, and they are acting swiftly and decisively in the market to nail down their key targets.
Simon Adingra appears set to be the latest man to move to the Stadium of Light, with Régis Le Bris’ side having already agreed a deal worth an initial £20.5million to sign the Brighton wideman.
The 23-year-old could be about to become the sixth addition of the summer on Wearside, and his arrival is unlikely to mark the end of the Mackems’ business as they look to assemble a squad capable of competing for survival.
Lyon want £25.8million for Mikautadze
Sunderland have also been chasing a deal to sign Mikautadze from Lyon amid the French giants’ financial issues.
The Black Cats are understood to have a genuine interest in signing the Georgian, even though he appears to be an ambitious target for a newly-promoted side on the face of it.
However, the North East outfit have now been priced out of a move by Lyon’s lofty demands, according to Sacha Tavolieri via X (9 July).
It is understood that although Sunderland have made efforts to explore a deal, they have set a budget of £17.2million to sign a new frontman, which fails to marry up with Lyon’s valuation of £25.8m for their star.
With the requirements to sign the 24-year-old now perfectly clear, Florent Ghisolfi and Co. must weigh up whether they can afford to up their initial budget in order to secure his signing.
Clubs have to be ruthless with their money at times in the Premier League, and Sunderland should have no qualms about parting with a little extra cash on this occasion, given the level of quality that Mikautadze would provide.
Mikautadze will be worth spending the money on
Sunderland are firmly expected to add another striker to their ranks this summer, and it could prove to be a pivotal signing for their fortunes next term.
A consistent and reliable goalscorer can easily be the difference between Premier League survival and an immediate return to the second tier, and in Mikautadze, they could sign someone capable of leading the line at the top level.
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| Ligue 1 | 34 | 11 | 6 |
| Europa League | 11 | 4 | 3 |
| Coupe de France | 2 | 2 | – |
| Total | 47 | 17 | 9 |
He notched 26 goal contributions in all competitions last term, and possesses the kind of predatory instincts that must surely be tempting Sunderland to bite the bullet and up their offering.
Lyon’s successful appeal against their relegation will add another dimension to proceedings, but Sunderland must do everything they can to put the money on the table.
If they can stump up the cash to buy Mikautadze, it could be a vital masterstroke as far as their season is concerned.
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