Sunderland and Leeds United were always going to be linked with the same players this summer after both clubs were promoted, but not many will have imagined the extent of the crossover.
Leeds fans are growing concerned as they compare the club’s transfer activity with Sunderland’s work in the market. Sunderland have made six additions, spending north of £100m while Leeds have spent £30m.
Sunderland’s squad was some way off Leeds going into the summer and The Black Cats have more wriggle room in terms of PSR, after selling Jobe Bellingham to Dortmund and Tommy Watson to Brighton.
Nevertheless, Sunderland have made some big signings and seem to be getting deals done a whole lot easier than Leeds. Three of Sunderland’s signings so far were also on the Leeds’ radar this summer.
Bologna's Colombian defender Jhon Lucumi controls the ball
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Sunderland now want Colombian giant on Leeds United radar
It does feel as if Sunderland are simply looking at Leeds’ shortlist and then spending more to get the players in. Leeds bid £22m for Habib Diarra and then Sunderland bought him for a fee north of £30m.
Leeds made an £11m bid for Noah Sadiki, but he’s joined Sunderland for £17.5m. The Black Cats have also landed Reinildo Mandava on a free transfer from Atletico Madrid after Leeds held talks for him.
Now, Gianluca Di Marzio reports Sunderland are plotting another move to sign a player that has been on Leeds’ radar this summer. Regis Le Bris’ side want Bologna’s giant Colombian centre-back Jhon Lucumi.
Lucumi has a release clause in his contract worth £24m, but it expires today. It means that Sunderland will have to move quickly, or agree a separate fee with Bologna for Lucumi who has been linked with Leeds.
Jhon Lucumi in the Coppa Italia final.
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The other players linked with Sunderland and Leeds this summer
The Guardian said Leeds and Sunderland would sign Lucas Perri or Djordje Petrovic, but the latter has gone to Bournemouth. Nantes star Matthis Abline is said to have held talks with Leeds and Sunderland.
Neil El Aynaoui was also linked with both, but Fabrizio Romano says El Aynaoui is in talks to join Roma for a £21.75m fee. Elsewhere, Sunderland have added Jeremie Boga to their list after Leeds bid £13m for him.
There is every chance that Sunderland add another player to their squad that has been on Leeds’ radar this summer. The latest of which seems likely that it could be Bologna’s Lucumi, even if his clause expires.