The Black Cats have been linked with a move for former Southampton stopper Duje Caleta-Car
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15:59, 19 Jun 2025
Duje Caleta-Car
Duje Caleta-Car(Image: Getty Images)
Sunderland could be handed a significant boost in their bid to sign Lyon defender Duje Caleta-Car, with the French outfit reportedly ready to cash in on the 28-year-old.
Reports in France last week claimed the Black Cats are keeping an eye on Caleta-Car, who has one year left on his contract and has been in and out of the first team last season.
With Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris attracted to the French market, the club could make a move for the highly-rated Croatian.
Lyon are said to be experiencing financial difficulties and are looking to sell the player this summer, with Turkish clubs also interested in his services.
Caleta-Car has prior Premier League experience, having featured 13 times for Southampton in the 2022/23 season, and has 33 international caps to his name.
It would show a statement of intent from Sunderland should they sign the well-travelled central defender, whose experience and quality would bring a stable head to Le Bris’ back-line.
Sunderland’s survival will depend on strong centre-backs. Luke O’Nien has been an ever-present in the centre of defence for the Mackems, but will need a consistent teammate alongside him.
Dan Ballard and Aji Alese’s injuries, combined with Chris Mepham’s departure back to Bournemouth, have left the Black Cats needing to bolster their defensive unit.
Duje Caleta-Car has Premier League experience with Southampton
Southampton stunned Premier League leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium
Caleta-Car’s arrival could go a long way to solve that problem, as Sunderland need a solid defensive core to have any hopes of surviving in the Premier League.
Now 28, he has already exchanged hands for big money having joined Marseille in 2018 on a five-year deal for a transfer fee of £16.2m.
At the end of the January 2021 transfer window, Premier League side Liverpool launched a £23m bid to secure his services but the move failed to materialize as Marseille didn’t have enough time to sign a replacement.
He subsequently moved on to Southampton and then Lyon on loan before a permanent switch to the French club.