Sunderland ‘on red alert for Amir Richardson’ after transfer latest

Sunderland have already bolstered the hub of their midfield with several signings, but they may not be done in that area yet.

Regis Le Bris has added Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki to his options, with the pair arriving for a combined initial £45million.

However, Jordan Henderson looks like he will miss out on a return to the Stadium of Light, as he prepares to sign for Brentford.

Now, the Black Cats have been linked with Fiorentina’s Amir Richardson, who could leave Serie A this summer.

Jordan Henderson Sunderland
Credit: Imago

Sunderland face Premier League competition for Richardson

The decision not to pursue Henderson has divided the Sunderland faithful, with some baffled by the call.

However, while it was easy to assume that the Wearsiders would target their academy product, he does not align with the current vision of the North East club.

That being said, the 35-year-old would have brought with him a wealth of experience and leadership, which would have been useful.

Now, though, the Black Cats are targeting younger players, and they are interested in Richardson, according to La Repubblica (13 July).

Amir Richardson’s 2024/25 Serie A statisticsTotal
Appearances (starts)27 (10)
Goals1
Assists1
Touches29.3
Accurate passes19.8 (88%)
Richardson was mostly used as a substitute (Sofascore)

Brentford are also credited with interest in the 23-year-old, but before Fiorentina decide on the midfielder, they intend to wait on the opinion of their manager, Stefano Pioli.

He wants to evaluate the central midfielder during a summer training camp before moving him on permanently.

Richardson only signed for the Italian outfit last summer from Stade Reims and made just 10 league starts last season.

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris holding his hood
Credit: Imago

Richardson would provide increased competition for Le Bris

It is clear from Sunderland’s transfer strategy that central midfield is an area they want to strengthen significantly.

Of course, having lost Jobe Bellingham, it is a position that would have been weaker if it were not for recent signings.

Diarra and Sadiki will add more quality options for Le Bris, with Dan Neil already a sturdy player for the Frenchman.

If the Wearsiders were to add Richardson, then that would surely be the central midfield complete for the summer, with depth added, as well as quality.

Now, there are a couple of more positions that Sunderland must strengthen before the start of the season, with Florent Ghisolfi not stopping.

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