Tag Futebol

Leeds United will need to do their transfer business sharpish as deadline day begins to loom, the Championship promotion candidates are yet to add anyone to their squad with three fringe players – including Luke Ayling – allowed to head out of Elland Road on loan.

It's not as if the Whites haven't been linked with a whole host of incomings so far this January, but with an unsatisfactory 1-1 home draw against Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup arguably exposing Leeds' lack of high-quality depth, many bodies could well be in through the door between now and the close of the transfer window.

There are two main priorities on the extensive Leeds shopping list if rumours are correct, with the duo in question teammates at international level in the past who could strengthen the Whites considerably.

Leeds in for Wales star

On top of wanting to reportedly bring AFC Bournemouth winger David Brooks to the building, the Whites are also targeting his fellow Wales compatriot Connor Roberts to finally add a new right-back to their ranks.

The full-back was labelled as being a 'concrete target' for Leeds by journalist Ben Jacobs who was speaking to GIVEMESPORT but a further report by Daily Mail journalist Simon Jones has now confirmed that Daniel Farke's men are indeed interested in signing the Burnley man.

Roberts is itching for more first-team action away from being placed on the periphery at Turf Moor this campaign.

With Roberts standing out as a full-throttle attacking full-back when Burnley won the second tier title just last campaign – scoring four times last season under Vincent Kompany – the 28-year-old could well spur Leeds on to further unsettle the established Championship top two.

If Brooks was purchased – as another right midfield option to ease concerns of Daniel James being in the Whites treatment room for some time – both players in question could make Leeds hard to thwart down that flank with Crysencio Summerville and Junior Firpo unplayable at points on the opposing left side.

How Roberts would fit into the Leeds team

With Archie Gray having to start at right-back 17 times this season, despite being more of a natural in midfield, Roberts would arguably walk into the Whites starting lineup currently.

His numbers at second tier level across his career to date back up why he'd break into the Leeds first-team and instantly make an impact, the Clarets defender accumulating 20 assists and 15 goals playing in the Championship over 173 appearances.

Coupled with Brooks' equally potent output in the Championship – which stands at nine goals and 11 assists from 69 appearances – both players could form an intimidating partnership at Elland Road if Leeds pull off a late flurry of signings.

Described as being an "excellent" player by his former Swansea City boss Steve Cooper during Roberts' stint with the Swans, Roberts would give Leeds that added nous too of what it takes to get promoted via the top two. That could well be invaluable with the Whites currently fighting hard to establish themselves as automatic promotion hopefuls.

Brooks and Roberts have been in sync pulling on a Wales strip in the past, with Ethan Ampadu also excelling on the international stage alongside the Leeds targets, and so it could well be a smart move landing both of these former second-tier stars to boost Leeds' automatic promotion chances this season.

Farke's men will feel precarious if no signings are made in this transfer window and injuries begin to trouble them more, with a swoop for both Brooks and Roberts making logical sense as a result.

Jose Mourinho marked his Benfica homecoming with a simple sunrise post from the club’s training ground, captioned 'Good morning SL Benfica'. But his first update as Benfica coach sparked chaos online, as Fenerbahce fans swarmed his Instagram with angry comments after his remarks that managing the Turkish side was a 'mistake' and that the club was 'not his level'.

Mourinho marks Benfica move with Instagram return

Mourinho shared his first photo since being confirmed as Benfica’s new head coach, showing the Lisbon side’s training base. The Portuguese tactician recently caused controversy by describing his time at Fenerbahce as a poor career decision. He celebrated his return to Benfica by returning to Instagram and posting a photo of the side's training ground with a beautiful sunrise in the background.

AdvertisementgettyAngry Fenerbahce fans flood comments

The comments section on Mourinho’s post was overwhelmed by Fenerbahce supporters furious at his words. Many labelled the Special One a mercenary, accusing him of chasing money rather than loyalty. Others fired back that Fenerbahce remain a stronger club than Benfica despite his criticism.

Mourinho's bad blood with Fenerbahce

Mourinho’s social media comeback highlights the tension left behind after his departure from Turkey. His comments have added fuel to a rivalry already shaped by Benfica’s Champions League qualifier win over Fenerbahce. While he insists coaching Benfica is “returning to his level,” his blunt words risk souring his reputation further among Turkish fans.

AFPMourinho faces tough job at Benfica

Mourinho will now turn his focus to steadying Benfica after replacing Bruno Lage in the dugout. The 62-year-old has promised to restore the club’s place among Europe’s elite. All eyes will be on whether his return delivers success on the pitch — or further controversy off it.

Derby County were left frustrated by their showing on Saturday, only managing to pick up a point at home to Shrewsbury Town in a game the Rams largely underwhelmed in.

Only having eight shots on goal in the entire game was not the ruthless display Paul Warne would have wanted, bemoaning his side's lack of cutting edge in attack and luck with Tyreece John-Jules not available for selection owing to a serious injury concern.

Moreover, Warne would have been equally frustrated that he didn't have Eiran Cashin at his disposal for the forgettable draw at Pride Park – the 22-year-old defender absent also through injury.

With talk that Derby's homegrown star might have left in January – potentially joining fellow academy product Max Bird in getting a big move away from League One – the Rams boss could well look towards the future sooner rather than later to see who could fill in for Cashin permanently if he does depart.

A young replacement for Cashin

Previously on the books at Crystal Palace before making the move to Derbyshire, young centre-back starlet Ryan Bartley could well be the solution to Warne's anxieties when it comes to Cashin eventually exiting.

Making 17 appearances for the Palace U18s before moving on, Bartley has settled in well to his new surroundings this season.

Cutting his teeth on-loan at non-league Eastbourne Borough before making the leap to join the Rams set-up – even scoring a solitary goal whilst playing for the National League South side – Bartley is being tipped to have a bright future at Pride Park.

Described as being a "powerful" defender by one scout on social media, the 20-year-old has become a mainstay in the U21 side in the Premier League 2 this campaign – making six appearances in total.

Bartley has even worn the Rams armband this season, captaining his youthful Derby side against Southampton last year.

Moreover, the former Palace youngster helped himself to a brace against Reading despite lining up as a defender – showing the likes of highly-rated attacker Dajaune Brown where the back of the net is in the emphatic 5-1 victory.

Derby County's teenage sensation could be their answer to Michael Smith

Derby County could look towards their youth to uncover their very own Michael Smith.

ByKelan Sarson Feb 5, 2024

It could well be an almighty jump for Bartley now to make, but those close to Pride Park will have to ensure the 20-year-old's progression isn't stunted in the hope he can be another off the conveyer belt of young Derby gems to go on and have established EFL careers.

The latest on Eiran Cashin's future

Although Cashin has put pen to paper on a new contract with Derby recently, seeing him stay put in theory until 2027, that might not deter higher-up suitors from coming back in down the line.

Derby will just hope they can strike gold again by developing another gem through the Academy structure, with Cashin going on to make 107 Rams first-team appearances since coming through.

Keeping Cashin around for now will also do wonders for the likes of Bartley, the 20-year-old learning the ropes and what it takes to make the step up by attempting to replicate the Irishman's ascent.

Everyone associated with Derby will just pray that this campaign they can finally be freed from the shackles of the third tier, with a real concern Cashin could be off if not.

If their worst fears do become a reality, Bartley could well be waiting in the wings and ready to finally seize his moment in the spotlight.

The majority of the Australia one-day squad will return to Big Bash action over the next few days for the backend of the regular season and then the finals for the teams that make it.Of the players who were in India, only David Warner, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc – who don’t have BBL deals – will not be available.Here is a rundown of who each team gets back:Melbourne StarsPeter Handscomb, who did not get a game in India, will return to bolster the middle order and will likely resume the wicketkeeping duties from Seb Gotch. Adam Zampa will be back as a key part of the spin attack for the Stars who are already assured of hosting the Qualifier on January 31 with the loser of that match earning a second chance to reach the final by playing in the Challenger on February 6.Sydney SixersThe Sixers are among the teams currently fighting for second spot to play the Stars and, for the first time in six years, will be able to call on Steven Smith who is available from the match against the Brisbane Heat at the Gabba. Josh Hazlewood will be given a few extra days rest after the India tour, but will likely be available for the Sixers’ final regular season game against the Melbourne Renegades and the finals. They remain unsure whether Sean Abbott will have recovered in time for the finals, by when they will have lost Tom Curran to England duty.Adelaide StrikersAlex Carey‘s return will bolster the Strikers’ middle order as they push for second place and for the first time this season they will be able to field their strongest possible batting line-up with Carey and Travis Head back in harness.Perth ScorchersAshton Turner and Ashton Agar will be back in the fold as the Scorchers look to build on their handsome victory against the Sydney Thunder. They will hope that Turner’s lean time in India does not impact his form for the final stretch of the tournament. Morne Morkel will also play the final regular season match against the Thunder – which may well be a decider for qualification – in place of Chris Jordan so he is eligible for the finals.Sydney ThunderThe Thunder did not have anyone in the one-day squad. Last season Cummins made one late-season outing for them but he will not play this year.Brisbane HeatMarnus Labuschagne is available to add to his seven T20 outings and he may well be seen as a key to stopping the sort of batting collapses – that reached new heights against the Renegades – which have left the Heat battling to reach the finals.Hobart HurricanesIt will likely be too late to save their season, but D’Arcy Short and Matthew Wade will be able to link up at last at the top of the order for the Hurricanes’ last two matches having not joined forces this season due to their respective international commitments. Short spent the three matches in India carrying the drinks after his late call-up to replace the injured Abbott.Melbourne RenegadesIt is officially all over for the Renegades after their horror run of nine defeats on the bounce ended any chance of defending their title. However, they have won their last two games – extraordinarily so against the Heat – and should have Aaron Finch and Kane Richardson back for the final two outings which could cause problems for opposition still looking to secure their finals berths.

da bet7k： Tottenham Hotspur are "moving" early doors over the potential summer signing of a foreign midfielder praised for his versatility.

Spurs already "exploring" summer transfer options

da bwin： As per reports from reliable media sources, Spurs' planning for the 2024 transfer market is already well underway despite having only just come out of January.

Related Fabrizio Romano says Tottenham figure has nearly agreed to other club move

He’s set to join another club.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Feb 7, 2024

FA registered intermediary and popular Lilywhites insider, Paul O'Keefe, has claimed that Barcelona star Raphinha is among a host of options being "explored" at Spurs for later in the year.

All confirmed Tottenham deals for January

Transfer

Radu Dragusin

Arrival (permanent)

Lucas Bergvall

Arrival (buy-to-loan-back)

Timo Werner

Arrival (loan)

Ashley Phillips

Exit (loan)

Djed Spence

Exit (loan)

Eric Dier

Exit (loan)

Ivan Perisic

Exit (loan)

Japhet Tanganga

Exit (loan)

Sergio Reguilon

Exit (loan)

Alejo Veliz

Exit (loan)

Technical director Johan Lange and Chief Football Officer Scott Munn, who oversee the club's transfer activity alongside chairman Daniel Levy and unofficial consultant Fabio Paratici, have been praised for their dealings as Spurs' new data-driven scouting system reaps rewards.

Summer signings like Micky van de Ven and James Maddison have been rip-roaring successes and appear tailor-made for Ange Postecoglou's intense, high-pressing style of play.

Tottenham's growing stature as a football club has seen them usurp Chelsea as London's richest side. They also beat European heavyweights like Bayern Munich and Barcelona to the January signings of Dragusin and Bergvall respectively, so the future is looking pretty optimistic as things stand.

Taking this into account, it will be interesting to see how they tackle the summer market, and supporters may well be thrilled that Tottenham are apparently becoming pretty organised already on that front with months to go until the window reopens.

Spurs did fail to bring in a new senior midfielder last month, though, despite the repeated links to Chelsea star Conor Gallagher among others. Sharing news of a potential alternative, Tutto Juve now claim that Postecoglou's side have their eye on Atalanta ace Teun Koopmeiners.

Tottenham "moving" early for Koopmeiners

The Dutchman, who featured at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, is said to be on Paratici, Levy and Lange's radar. According to Tutto Juve, as translated and shared by Sport Witness, Tottenham are "moving" early for Koopmeiners with the view of potentially signing him this summer.

They aren't the only ones, however, with Premier League rivals Man United also set to compete for the £51 million man this summer alongside Serie A giants Juventus.

Koopmeiners has made 19 Serie A appearances for Atalanta this season, bagging five goals and three assists, and has been praised by former Netherlands international Ruud Kroll for his ability to feature as a playmaker.

“Koop is a great player. He has an international caliber and is the starter in the Dutch national team," said Kroll.

"I certainly see him doing well at a big club. Juve or Milan? He would certainly be invaluable to both of them. Koopmeiners can play in all positions in the middle of the pitch: both as a playmaker and as a midfielder. He is a complete footballer who would be useful for all coaches, including Allegri.”

England are set to field yet another top-three combination on their New Zealand tour

Alan Gardner31-Jul-2019The boys Down Under
England went to Australia with something approaching a plan. Alastair Cook was joined at the top of the order by Mark Stoneman – the 12th opener to try and fill Andrew Strauss’ shoes – with a stylist at No. 3 in James Vince. Although that plan was quickly shown to be inadequate for regaining the Ashes, and Vince was then dropped in Auckland (where England were blown away for 58), they had a final outing in the Christchurch Test that concluded a lengthy tour of the antipodes. Vince made 76 in the second innings and finished with an average of 30.54 for the winter; England haven’t picked him in a Test since.A (brief) summer affair
After much badgering on the subject, Joe Root opted to once again move back up a spot. Stoneman only lasted one more Test, bowled in each innings against Pakistan at Lord’s, which prompted England to go back Keaton Jennings – last seen being tortured on or around off stump by Vernon Philander and co in the 2017 summer. Cook and Jennings did not really combine to any greater effect second time around, and Root’s returns tailed off after making 80 against India at Edgbaston – still, by recent standards, this was a period of stability, the top three unchanged for almost five Tests. And then…Things start to get weird…
Having been dropped in New Zealand at the end of a difficult winter (see above), Moeen Ali returned to the Test XI against India in Southampton. He made 40 at No. 7 and took 5 for 63 – so far so normal – but then appeared at the fall of the first wicket in England’s second innings, apparently at his own request. Root was only too happy to switch back to No. 4, but although Moeen made a half-century in the final Test at The Oval – where Cook rubberstamped his retirement with scores of 71 and 147 – he wasn’t long for the top order.New era, same problems
On tour without Cook anchoring the batting for the first time since 2005-06, England stuck with Jennings alongside the debutant Rory Burns. Jennings repaid some of the faith with an unbeaten 146 in Galle, were Moeen’s stint at No. 3 ended; for the Pallekele Test, Ben Stokes was asked to have a go. “Ben’s game is in good shape and he is more than capable of batting at No. 3,” Root said. “We are fortunate that many in the side could bat in that position.” Many would have to. In the second innings, Jack Leach‘s deployment at nightwatchman meant Stokes shunting down to five, below Root, and then another solution entirely presented itself in Colombo.Jonny B good (please)
Jonny Bairstow was understandably a little peeved at how things developed in Sri Lanka. An ankle injury saw Ben Foakes take the gloves, winning Man of the Match on debut, and Bairstow found his only route back in was to bat at No. 3 in Colombo. The pumped-up celebrations of his hundred – the first for England from that spot in the order since 2016 – told a story, but Bairstow’s tenure would also be short. He made a half-century in defeat in Antigua a couple of months later, before reclaiming the gloves and heading back to the middle-order at Foakes’ expense.Shuffling the deckchairs
England’s fumbling for a solution saw them drop Jennings after the first Test in the West Indies, handing a debut to Joe Denly (who hadn’t opened in first-class cricket since 2015). Denly was then moved down to replace Bairstow, while the woefully out-of-form Jennings was recalled – making scores of 8 and 23 – for the victory in St Lucia. Almost six month later, on the back of World Cup success, Jason Roy finally got the call, partnering Burns against Ireland at Lord’s, with Denly back at No. 3. Then Leach showed up everyone by making 92, Roy shone at No. 3… and when the bottle stopped spinning it was pointing at Root again.Back to the future?
While Burns locked down his spot with 133 at Edgbaston, chaos reigned at the far end: Roy made 57 runs in six innings as an opener, and was shunted down to No. 4 for Old Trafford, with Denly making the jump back to the top and Root staying put (other than one innings back at No. 4 while Craig Overton shifted up as nightwatchman). But with the first New Zealand Test looming, Root decided No. 4 “suits my game a little bit more”, so an arrow has been drawn next to his name with another one – Dom Sibley – scrawled in at the top. All that meant England fielded their most inexperienced top three at Mount Maunganui since the Ireland game, with just 20 caps between them: what could possibly go wrong?Football, bloody hell
Afflicted by a sickness bug in Centurion, and 1-0 down arriving in Cape Town, England were hoping to restart their tour on a more positive footing. Instead, it was Burns’ stumble during a game of warm-up football that forced another reshuffle at the top. With ankle ligament damage ruling him out for the rest of the series, Kent opener Zak Crawley was catapulted into the side (having made his debut at No. 6 in New Zealand a few weeks earlier) – meaning England’s opening pair went into the game at Newlands with just four caps between them. The last time they had fewer was 1963. It was also just the second time an England opening partnership had comprised two right-handers since 2002, the other occasion being Lord’s 2016 when Alastair Cook came in down the order due to injury.January 3, 2020 – This article was updated during England’s tour of South Africa

The reasons why Jadon Sancho rejected a loan-to-buy move to Roma have been revealed, with the Manchester United outcast still in transfer limbo. United, desperate to offload him this summer, seemed open to Roma’s proposal, as it had an obligation to purchase the player outright in 2026, but the England international was not convinced.

Sancho rejects Roma's £20m loan-to-buy offerAgent’s demands scare off major suitorsTime running out for Sancho as he faces transfer uncertaintyFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to Roma had expressed interest in signing the 25-year-old, with the £20 million ($27m) transfer fee and terms looking favourable for United. However, Sancho’s decision to reject the proposal reportedly stems from a mix of "financial and technical factors".

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Reports in further claim that the hefty demands of Sancho’s agent are also a stumbling block, with a supposed request for a €10m (£9.5m/$11.6m) commission already spooking potential suitors. Those demands have turned off some of Europe’s top clubs, including Atletico Madrid and Juventus, who have reportedly backed away from negotiations. Roma, despite their willingness to stretch their financial limits, find themselves at a crossroads, unsure whether they can meet those sums.

DID YOU KNOW?

From United’s perspective, the £20m offer from Roma was an opportunity to offload Sancho, who has struggled to live up to his potential since joining in 2021 for a massive £73m ($99m). The deal would have helped balance the books while clearing space for incoming transfers. Yet, with Sancho now rejecting the move, United are in a spot of bother.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR SANCHO?

As the summer transfer window nears its close, time is running out for Sancho to secure a move away from Old Trafford. While Roma were seen as one of the last remaining lifelines for Sancho to stay in Europe's top five leagues, he can still engineer a move to Turkey as the transfer window in that country does not close until September 12. 

West Ham are nearing a swoop for Elche winger Tete Morente as David Moyes aims to start his transfer business early.

What’s the word?

That’s according to the Sunday Mirror, who reported in their print edition (May 1st, page 74) that the Premier League side has been in early contact with the player over a potential move.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-this-weeks-latest-west-ham-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-more” title= “Read the latest West Ham news!”]

Elche are asking for a fee of around £7m for the 25-year-old who is keen on making the move to England and playing in the top flight.

A new mega-money talent?

Morente isn’t exactly a household name and despite scoring against Barcelona earlier this season, he only has three goals and three assists throughout the whole campaign, not numbers that will put the fear into Premier League defenders.

Despite this, he is only 25 and has plenty of time on his side to continue his development, it could well be a shrewd signing for the Hammers in the long run.

Moyes has seen his side reach unprecedented heights this campaign, still in the hunt for a top-six spot and chasing a historic Europa League final, it’s looking like exciting times for the West Ham faithful.

The squad does need to be bolstered in an attacking sense though, with Michael Antonio their only designated centre forward, it could well be that Morente gets to put his versatility to good use.

Although a left-winger by trade, Morente has some solid defensive stats which could help West Ham on top of his 14 career goals.

He features in the 89th percentile of blocks in Europe’s top five leagues (1.75 per game) and in the 81st percentile of aerials won (1.13), proving that Moyes could be getting more than just a goalscoring threat.

Furthermore, he is compared to one of the very best in Spain, with the flanker who has 14 career goals being compared to Real Sociedad’s £63m-rated talent Mikel Oyarzabal.

On that basis, this signing begins to look a little more appealing for the Irons faithful.

AND in other news, West Ham eye swoop for “brilliant” 21 y/o, he’s “similar to Eden Hazard”

A large portion of Daniel Farke’s summer signings at Leeds United stood out in the Whites’ dramatic 3-3 draw against Liverpool last time out.

Indeed, Dominic Calvert-Lewin would have loved following up his instinctive effort against Chelsea with a penalty goal against the Reds, having just recently waved goodbye to Everton.

Anton Stach also got in on the goalscoring act as another new recruit from Hoffenheim, before Ao Tanaka – who triumphantly lifted the Championship title last season – hammered home the crucial equaliser.

Unfortunately, not every fresh face that arrived at Elland Road this off-season has instantly gelled, with Farke now in danger of having his very own Vurnon Anita, six years on from the ex-Newcastle United midfielder’s uneventful stint in West Yorkshire.

Remembering Anita's shambolic stay at Leeds

Leeds would have felt they’d struck gold by being able to land the now 36-year-old on a free transfer in 2017, considering Anita was just fresh off a Championship promotion with the Magpies, and the Whites were desperately looking to break back into the Premier League.

On top of his EFL experience, the three-time Eredivisie winner had also amassed 106 Premier League appearances on Tyneside as a useful utility presence, with one of his former Toon coaches, John Carver, once stating that he always has the “same attitude and commitment” wherever he’s thrown into the XI.

Games played

22

Minutes played

1620 mins

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Wage per week

£25k-per-week

Wage costs for a year

£1.3m

Unfortunately for the Whites, though, they never managed to get the best out of Anita, who could play at left-back or right-back at a moment’s notice, away from his central midfield duties, with an unmemorable 22 first-team appearances all she wrote on his forgettable Leeds career.

His high £25k-per-week salary came under plenty of scrutiny, therefore, with Anita – who wasn’t even registered as an outfield player for Leeds during the 2018/19 campaign – branded as a “huge waste of money” by ex-Leeds player Noel Whelan, after he was chucked to one side by Marcelo Bielsa.

Surely, if Leeds could turn back time, they would never have gambled on the Curacao international to come good, with a worryingly similar tale playing out in the here and now for Farke…

Farke's very own Anita

Thankfully, Leeds already look to be vindicated in their decision to bring in the aforementioned Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer, with no Anita-style repeat on the cards here, as the Sheffield-born striker already boasts four Premier League goals for Farke’s men.

The same, however, cannot be said for Sebastiaan Bornauw, who appears to be destined for the exit door, just a matter of months after sealing a move to England for a modest £5.1m fee from Wolfsburg.

Yet, at the time of the capture, Leeds would have thought they’d acquired a diamond in the rough, with the 26-year-old accumulating 140 Bundesliga appearances for both Wolfsburg and FC Köln, meaning the hope would be that he could be a dependable cover option at the back for Farke.

Fast forward to the present, though, and the deal to bring the four-time Belgium international to English shores has already been dismissed as “laughable” as per Leeds-based content creator Lewis Deighton, with Bornauw only fit enough for a paltry two minutes of Premier League action so far.

This is a far cry from when Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley was hailing the capture of Bornauw as an indicator that Leeds had conducted some “excellent” summer business back in July, with the lofty number 23 already out of action for four games this season, owing to recurring knee issues.

Estimated to be on a bumper £45k-per-week pay packet, too, all the current signs are pointing in the direction that Bornauw is Leeds’ modern-day iteration of Anita.

For context, both Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu are on a lesser £40k-per-week salary each, reportedly.

Further dubbed as looking “terrible” against Sheffield Wednesday in the EFL Cup by commentator Sam Matterface, on what has been his only start to date, he only won 50% of his duels against lower league opposition.

It really does feel as if Bornauw’s stay at Elland Road will be extremely short-lived, as he just goes down as a forgotten flop, like Anita before him.

The "best finisher" at Leeds now finally looks finished under Farke

This Leeds star has not been involved much this season

ByJoe Nuttall 1 day ago

Having agreed a deal to sign Sassuolo’s Armand Lauriente, Sunderland are now reportedly preparing a fresh offer to sign another Serie A star for Regis Le Bris this summer.

Sunderland closing in on Lauriente

To say that Sunderland have made a survival statement this summer would be an understatement. The Black Cats have welcomed as many as six fresh faces and there seems to be more on the way.

According to Fabrizio Romano, next on their list is Lauriente. Those at the Stadium of Light have reportedly agreed a deal worth as much as €20m (£17m) to sign the French winger, who looks set to join the likes of Habib Diarra and Simon Adingra on Sunderland’s list of incomings.

It’s been quite the overhaul for Le Bris’ side as they prepare to become the first side in six promoted teams to survive in their first season back in the top tier.

Lauriente should play an important part in achieving that too. The 26-year-old winger enjoyed an excellent campaign last time out as Sassuolo earned promotion from Serie B. And whilst stepping up to the Premier League will be no easy task, last season’s 19 goals and six assists in all competitions suggest that he’s more than ready for the move.

Sunderland now submit formal bid for £17m "technician" who scores "worldies"

It is a big development at the Stadium of Light.

ByHenry Jackson Jul 18, 2025

Despite already spending as much as €115m (£100m) with €20m (£17m) to come on Lauriente, Sunderland’s spending looks unlikely to end there. Reports are now indicating that the Black Cats are already preparing a fresh offer to sign a third Serie A star ahead of next season.

Sunderland now preparing fresh Lucumi offer

As reported by Corriere di Bologna and relayed by Sport Witness, Sunderland are now preparing a fresh €20m (£17m) offer to sign Jhon Lucumi from Bologna this summer. The newly-promoted side have already seen one offer turned down, but are seemingly set to edge closer to Bologna’s €25m (£22m) valuation in hope of advancing their move.

Minutes

3,934

2,614

Progressive Passes

229

108

Tackles Won

31

30

Ball Recoveries

155

176

Last season’s numbers indicate that Lucumi would push the versatile Luke O’Nien all the way for a starting place in Le Bris’ side, with his experience in Italy’s top flight likely to eventually pay dividends.

Described as “composed” and “ridiculously impressive” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Lucumi would join a growing list of excellent arrivals at the Stadium of Light if he swapped Bologna for Sunderland in the coming weeks. The club may also have a smooth path to negotiations on the personal side of things, given they already have dealings with the player’s agency through their representation of Dennis Cirkin.

With the Premier League campaign set to get underway in around one month’s time, Sunderland have until then to ensure that Le Bris’ side is perfectly suited to end the trend of promoted sides suffering instant failure. And Lucumi should be among their final priorities as a result.