Sunderland make approach to sign La Liga star who was once labelled ‘best in the world’
Sunderland have again been linked with the signing of a Real Madrid star.
Sunderland have yet to make any additions to their squad in January, though several exits have been confirmed, with a few still yet to come.
Jay Matete joined MK Dons on a permanent deal, Trey Ogunsuyi was recalled from Falkirk and moved to Shrewsbury, with Dan Neil looking as though he is set for a move to Rangers.
However, the Black Cats are hoping to get some business done of their own this month, with reports from Spain stating that they have now made an approach for a new defensive arrival.
Real Madrid defender emerges as Sunderland target
Sunderland haven’t done a lot of business with Madrid clubs, but when they have, it’s served them well.
Admittedly, that occasion was the arrival of Reinildo, who has been nothing short of magnificent since he made the move to the Stadium of Light.
The latest reports are in regard to another left-back, with Fichajes stating that Sunderland have made an approach to sign Real Madrid’s Ferland Mendy.
It’s claimed that the Black Cats are willing to make an offer of around £9.5million to sign the France international, who has had his injury troubles over the year.
Mendy has made just three appearances so far this season, but has consistently been able to feature over 30 times a season since he made the move to Madrid in 2019.
Throughout that period, the 30-year-old has had plenty of praise, and Carlo Ancelotti is a big fan of the qualities he has.
Ferland Mendy has world-class attributes
While availability may not be his biggest asset, his defensive ability certainly is.
Via FotMob, the Frenchman won 66.7 per cent of his ground duels last season, which placed him in the top 87 per cent of La Liga defenders.
That is by far his biggest quality, with Ancelotti previously hailing Mendy for it.
“I confirm my opinion on Ferland Mendy. He’s the best defensive fullback in the world,” Ancelotti said in 2024.
“I have to look at what he does on the field and in training. I don’t know when he ends his contract. He’s important for us”.
As for his contract situation, Mendy will have two years left on his Real Madrid deal come the end of the current campaign.