Sunderland have been 'linked' with a double transfer deal - here's everything you need to know in 90 seconds...
Sunderland linked with ambitious quartet of transfer targets including Enzo Bardeli, Hossam Essadak, Sidiki Cherif and Fermín López
Sunderland’s recruitment department continues to be active across multiple markets, with the club now linked with an ambitious quartet of potential transfer moves ahead of the January window.
Reports from across Europe have tied the Black Cats with targets in France, Morocco and even Spain as the club looks to strengthen Régis Le Bris’ Premier League squad while maintaining their long-term recruitment model.
According to Foot Mercato, Dunkerque midfielder Enzo Bardeli is set to leave the Ligue 2 side on a free transfer, with several clubs already circling. Ligue 1 and Championship sides are said to be monitoring the 22-year-old, with Sunderland named among those showing interest following the success of their recent French market signings.
Elsewhere, TEAMtalk report that Celtic and Sunderland are both keeping tabs on Moroccan midfielder Hossam Essadak. The 20-year-old captained his nation to Under-20 World Cup glory in Chile last month and currently represents Union Touarga Sport in Morocco’s top flight. No formal offers have been made, but both clubs are understood to be actively scouting the player with a view to a potential January bid.
Football Insider claims that Sunderland, along with Newcastle United and Fulham, are tracking teenage Angers forward Sidiki Cherif. The 18-year-old has scored three goals in his last five Ligue 1 games, including strikes against Monaco and Marseille, and is believed to be valued at around £22million. Cherif remains under contract until 2028 but has drawn attention from several major European clubs after an impressive start to the campaign.
The most eye-catching report, however, comes from Spanish outlet Fichajes, who claim that Sunderland have made an astonishing €80million (£70.3million) offer for Barcelona midfielder Fermín López ahead of a potential 2026 move. The 22-year-old has been one of Barça’s breakout stars this season, scoring six goals and assisting four in 11 appearances.
While López’s form has led to huge admiration, a move to Wearside appears highly improbable. He recently extended his contract until 2029, which includes a €500million (£438million) release clause, and Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has publicly stated his desire to keep the player long term.
Given Sunderland’s sustainable-spend approach under Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, a transfer of such scale would be far beyond their current model, though it underlines the club’s growing global profile and the ambition within their recruitment network.
What has Kyril Louis-Dreyfus said about Sunderland’s transfer plans?
During a recent interview with Sky Sports, Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus was asked about the club’s recent transfer strategy, and went on to hint that he and his board could sanction more activity in the upcoming January window. He said: “I think the stats showed to us that unless you do something extraordinary you're likely going to go back to the Championship. For us, we didn't really set ourselves a budget in terms of the money we want to spend - we had an ambition to try and bring in the players we want and fortunately a lot of the deals we wanted to do we were able to conclude them, and as a result of that the spend in the end was big, but most importantly we got the players that we wanted.
The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join ourSAFC WhatsApp channel.
“I would say definitely a little bit [that the great start could affect Sunderland’s approach in January] because obviously if we're in the bottom three by Christmas or we're in the top six by Christmas that changes the ambition a little bit. We're currently preparing for all scenarios but we've been doing that since the summer, so hopefully we'll be going into the January window with a top ten finish in mind and we will prepare and execute the transfer window to give us the best chance.”
Continue Reading