Sunderland transfer round-up: Lauriente deal off as Ghisolfi eyes new defender
Sunderland completed a host of new signings early in the transfer window, but have now hit some hurdles.
Regis Le Bris has a range of fresh options in midfield, with Simon Adingra, Noah Sadiki, and Habib Diarra among the Stadium of Light arrivals.
While it seemed that Armand Lauriente was destined to join the Black Cats, that deal has fallen through.
However, Florent Ghisolfi is doing all he can to bring in new defenders as Mackem News provides the latest transfer round-up.
Sunderland move for Lauriente collapses
Sunderland agreed a £17million deal with Sassuolo for Lauriente, and the winger even jetted off to Portugal to complete the move.
The 26-year-old was a prime target for the Black Cats and would have provided versatility in forward areas.
| Armand Lauriente’s 2024/25 Serie B statistics | Total |
| Appearances | 33 |
| Goals | 18 |
| Goal conversion | 22% |
| Assists | 5 |
| Big chances created | 6 |
| Accurate passes | 16.6 (80%) |
However, reports suggest that Lauriente’s move to the Stadium of Light fell through due to a disagreement over personal terms.
There was a supposed late dispute between the two parties, and the Wearsiders must now move on to other targets.
Ghisolfi eyes defender reunion amid Jhon Lucumi latest
Sunderland require defenders, with Luke O’Nien, Dennis Cirkin, Aji Alese, and Leo Hjelde all to miss the start of the Premier League campaign through injury.
Jhon Lucumi has emerged as a top priority at the Stadium of Light, although the Wearsiders had a bid rejected for the centre back.
Elsewhere, Ghisolfi is eyeing a reunion with Sevilla’s Loic Bade, whom the director of football brought back to RC Lens.
Reports suggest that Bournemouth are also interested in the pair, having already beaten the Black Cats to the signing of Djordje Petrovic.
Black Cats wait on Romaine Mundle
In and amongst all the incomings, Sunderland are also working on a deal to tie down Romaine Mundle’s future.
The Wearsiders have offered the former Tottenham man fresh terms after the winger developed into a key player in the North East.
Olympique Marseille and PSV Eindhoven are also interested in the 22-year-old, who recently underwent surgery on his hamstring.
Sunderland have weeks to bring in new players ahead of an opening Premier League clash at home to West Ham.
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