Breaking : Sunderland face Premier League competition in pursuit of highly-rated Ligue 1 star………
Sunderland’s ambitious return to the Premier League continues to gather momentum, as the Black Cats step up their pursuit of Armand Laurienté, the electric French forward currently with Sassuolo. Under the leadership of head coach Régis Le Bris, the Wearside club have identified Laurienté as a key attacking target, but they now face stiff competition from fellow Premier League clubs including Leeds United and Fulham.
Laurienté, 26, enjoyed a standout 2024/25 campaign in Italy’s Serie B, where he notched 19 goals and 5 assists, helping Sassuolo clinch promotion back to Serie A. His performances reignited interest from across Europe, and Sunderland are now engaged in advanced talks to bring the former Lorient star back under Le Bris’s guidance.
Sources close to the negotiations have confirmed that Sunderland have already tabled a £17 million bid, which Sassuolo rejected. The Italian side are holding out for a fee closer to £22–25 million, reflecting Laurienté’s form, market value, and interest from other clubs. Despite the setback, Sunderland remain confident of striking a deal and are preparing a second, improved offer in the coming days.
The potential move would reunite Laurienté with Le Bris, who coached him at Lorient, and sporting director Florent Ghisolfi, who played a key role in his earlier development. This existing relationship is believed to give Sunderland an edge over their rivals, especially as Laurienté is open to a Premier League switch and is reportedly intrigued by the project at the Stadium of Light.
However, Sunderland’s hopes of completing the deal are complicated by growing competition. Leeds United and Fulham are also keen on the Frenchman and have been monitoring the situation closely. Both clubs are said to have the financial resources to match Sassuolo’s valuation and could present alternative options if Sunderland delay.
Italian clubs including Roma, Bologna, and Fiorentina, as well as Marseille in France, have also made inquiries. Yet, it is the Premier League’s financial firepower—and Sunderland’s proactive approach—that currently dominate the narrative.
From a tactical perspective, Laurienté fits seamlessly into Le Bris’s fluid attacking system. Known for his direct dribbling, long-range finishing, and ability to play across the front three, Laurienté would add firepower and versatility to a squad already bolstered by the arrivals of Simon Adingra, Chemsdine Talbi, and Enzo Le Fée. He would likely compete with or complement Adingra on the wings, potentially becoming the marquee addition of Sunderland’s Premier League rebuild.
With the window heating up and time ticking, Sunderland’s willingness to push past their initial offer will be key. Laurienté has just one year remaining on his Sassuolo contract, which could pressure the Italian side into accepting a bid below their full valuation—especially if the player pushes for a move.
In a summer already marked by bold investment and a clear ambition to establish themselves in the top flight, Sunderland’s pursuit of Laurienté signals their desire to not just survive the Premier League—but make a real statement
