Marcin Bułka has confirmed Sunderland made an offer to sign him during the summer window.
The Poland international has been speaking to Foot Truck about Sunderland’s approach and Meczyki.pl have relayed his comments.
Sunderland and others lost out to Neom SC, who completed the goalkeeper’s signing from OGC Nice in July.
Prior to his move Saudi Arabia, L’Equipe reported the Black Cats had tabled a bid for the 26-year-old. Sunderland director of football Florent Ghisolfi knew the player well from his time at the Ligue 1 side.
AC Milan and Galatasaray were also credited with interest. The stopper has confirmed the those approaches to sign him. When discussing Milan, he mentioned Régis Le Bris’ side.
Money obviously key in transfer decision
Ppressure from the Middle East and financial temptation convinced him to pick Neom SC.
“If there were any other offers, I might consider them. I had an offer from Sunderland. There were talks with Milan and Galatasaray. They said there would be no transfer if Maignan didn’t leave,” he said.
“But I couldn’t wait. They told me in Saudi Arabia: ‘Marcin, you’re our No.1, but in three days 10 goalkeepers could come here for half that amount’. That’s how it is. In football, what’s certain today, is gone tomorrow.
“I wanted to stay in Nice and fulfil my contract there. It was one of many options.
“It’s good that it didn’t happen, because now I’m injured and life could have turned out differently. At my current club, I earn over 12 times more than at Nice. And I’m not saying I didn’t earn much in France.”
An earlier report from Meczyki.pl stated Bułka earns €10m per year at Neom.
Sunderland signed Robin Roefs NEC Nijmegen for around €10.5m in August. He’s been starring for the Premier League side. Taking the Dutchman’s performances into account, Le Bris’ side won’t be disappointed to have missed out on Bułka.