Sunderland U21s won 7-1 in Europe with Dennis Cirkin, Dan Neil and Luke O’Nien in the side
Sunderland have been credited with an interest in Lazio star Matteo Guendouzi
Sunderland and Aston Villa both made enquiries to sign Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi this summer, according to reports - and the player could be made available for a transfer in the coming weeks.
The Frenchman is well-known to English football fans following a stint with Arsenal earlier in his career, and has a prior connection with Black Cats head coach Regis Le Bris following a shared spell at FC Lorient.
Indeed, Guendouzi has spoken highly of Le Bris in recent months, and according to a fresh report from Il Messaggero, it would appear the feeling is mutual - with the Sunderland boss seemingly open to a reunion.
What has been said about Sunderland’s transfer interest in Matteo Guendouzi?
As per the Italian publication, Guendouzi finds himself at the centre of a relatively dissatisfactory situation in Rome, with Lazio’s unstable financial situation apparently affecting his mood and form.
Indeed, to that end, the 26-year-old has found himself tumbling down the pecking order at international level too, and has now been omitted from each of Didier Deschamps’ past four France squads.
It is within this context that Guendouzi’s future is discussed, with Il Messaggero also revealing that both Sunderland and Premier League rivals Aston Villa already contact over potential moves for the midfielder earlier this year. No formal offers were submitted, but it is also suggested that Lazio’s ongoing financial hardships could force them into a sale during the January transfer window.
The Serie A club are said to be demanding up to £26.5 million, but it is claimed that if Sunderland and Villa’s interest is genuine and they decide to rekindle their respective pursuits in the new year, they may be able to strong-arm Lazio into lowering their asking price. For his part, head coach Maurizio Sarri is said to be reluctant to see Guendouzi leave, and would only be comfortable sanctioning a sale if a suitable replacement can be found.
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.
What has Matteo Guendouzi said about Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris?
Speaking about Le Bris back in May of this year, Guendouzi said: “Honestly, his results at Sunderland don’t surprise me. He’s been able to adapt to a league that demands a lot of intensity, using, I imagine, his tactical sense. The coach eats football for lunch, dinner, and sleeps. At Lorient, he was already in his office at 7am and was still working at 7.30pm. He’s meticulous, picky, and doesn’t overlook any detail. A year with him is perhaps the equivalent of three with other coaches. You learn a lot about yourself. Without him, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Continue Reading