‘Sunderland ready deal to sign Doucoure’ in statement signing by Kyril-Louis Dreyfus
Sunderland are yet to make a ‘statement signing’ that confirms their intentions to fight to stay in the Premier League, but that might be about to change.
The Mackems are preparing an offer to bring Abdoulaye Doucoure to Wearside, and that should be seen as a strong start to their transfer window.
If the former Everton midfielder signs for Sunderland, it would signal to other Premier League teams that they mean business.
Doucoure would be a statement signing for Sunderland
Sunderland started the transfer window on the back foot after losing Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund in June.
The Mackems received a healthy transfer fee for Bellingham, and it’s now up to Regis Le Bris to use that money to build a team capable of competing in the Premier League.
The signing of Doucoure would be a great start. The Mali international is available on a free transfer after his Everton contract expired and would bring a presence and tenacity to the Sunderland midfield that’s arguably missing after Bellingham’s sale.
This wouldn’t just be a statement signing because Doucoure is an experienced player with hundreds of Premier League appearances. It would also be a sign that Kyril-Louis Dreyfus is willing to spend big to give Sunderland a fighting chance in the league next year.
Uphill battle for Sunderland but Doucoure would be a good first transfer
There would be no transfer fee involved in this signing, but Doucoure has high wage demands. This is why Everton chose to let him go.
Football Insider reports that Saudi clubs will be competing with Sunderland for Doucoure’s signature, and it’s well known that these teams have money to burn. If Dreyfus can tempt the midfielder to remain in the Premier League instead, that’s a financial statement being made as well.
| Appearances | Minutes Played | Goals | Appearances |
| 36 | 2741 | 4 | 2 |
No-one at Sunderland is under any illusions about the difficulty of the task facing them. However, the signing of Doucoure would be a good first step toward their goal of building a team that can thrive in the Premier League.
This is no Everton reject. He was allowed to leave due to his wage demands and Everton’s financial struggles. If Sunderland can bring him to The Stadium of Light, it would send a message to the rest of the league.
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