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Sunderland Transfer Round-Up: £35.5m Triple Move Brewing, Laurienté Reunion Talk, Rigg Blow, and Johnstone Rumour Swirls
With Sunderland preparing for their return to the Premier League, transfer activity is rapidly picking up pace. Here’s a detailed summary of the Black Cats’ key updates from the past 48 hours.
Laurienté Reunion Under Consideration
Sunderland are reportedly among several clubs eyeing a summer swoop for Armand Laurienté, the prolific Sassuolo forward. The 25-year-old Frenchman, who previously worked with Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris at Lorient, netted 19 goals and provided six assists in 34 appearances last season. According to AS Roma Live, Laurienté is attracting attention from Serie A heavyweights including Roma, Bologna, Fiorentina, and Marseille. The forward is believed to carry a €20 million (£17m) valuation.
Charlie Cresswell Back on the Radar
In a potential defensive boost, Sunderland are once again being linked with Charlie Cresswell, the former Leeds United centre-back now with Toulouse. The 22-year-old has impressed in Ligue 1, logging over 30 appearances and emerging as a dominant presence at the back. Reports from Jeunes Footeux suggest Sunderland have been tracking Cresswell closely, and his current market value is estimated at over €10 million (£8.5m). He’s currently featuring for England at the U21 European Championship.
Tanganga Unlikely Despite Interest
Sunderland were also reportedly monitoring Japhet Tanganga, but journalist Alan Nixon claims the Millwall defender is more inclined to move abroad. Despite interest from Leeds United, Burnley, and Crystal Palace, Tanganga is said to favour a switch to Germany or France.
Goalkeeping Shake-Up: Neil Cutler and Sam Johnstone Speculation
Sunderland are expected to appoint Neil Cutler, former Wolves goalkeeping coach, to replace Tom Weal, who recently departed for MK Dons. That appointment has triggered speculation linking Sam Johnstone to the Stadium of Light. The 32-year-old shot-stopper, who is unsettled at Wolves after limited game time last season, has also been linked with Leeds. Purchased for around £10 million, Johnstone boasts four England caps and featured seven times in the Premier League last term, along with three FA Cup outings and two clean sheets.
These three reported targets – Laurienté, Cresswell, and Johnstone – have a combined estimated value of £35.5 million, highlighting Sunderland’s Premier League-level ambition.
Setback: Chris Rigg Withdraws from Euros with Injury
Rising teenage star Chris Rigg has been ruled out of England’s U19 Euros campaign due to an ankle injury. The 17-year-old has been the subject of intense interest from as many as seven Premier League clubs, as reported by TEAMtalk. However, Sunderland remain optimistic about tying him down to a long-term deal, especially after securing promotion.
Young Goalkeeper Drawing Loan Interest
Promising 19-year-old goalkeeper Dan Cameron, who recently signed a one-year contract extension, is attracting loan attention from non-league and League Two clubs. The towering 6ft 5in keeper stood out during his spell with Hebburn Town and is tipped to be the first-choice for Sunderland’s U21 side under Graeme Murty.
With more transfer activity expected in the coming weeks, Sunderland fans can expect plenty more headlines as the club rebuilds for life in the top flight.
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