Nafisa
Mendy Snubs Sunderland Once Again as Ligue 2 Star Joins Montpellier After Collapsed Wearside Move
Alexandre Mendy, the powerful striker once heavily linked with a move to Sunderland, has sealed a three-year deal with Montpellier just a year after a dramatic collapse in talks with the Wearside club.
The 31-year-old Guinea-Bissau international had been a prime attacking target for Sunderland in the summer following the 2023–24 season. He was coming off a prolific run with Caen, where he became the club’s all-time top scorer and looked poised to spearhead Sunderland’s push for Premier League promotion.
Talks had advanced significantly, and a deal seemed imminent, but negotiations broke down in the final days of the transfer window. Speaking to the French media shortly after the failed move, Mendy admitted the situation had left emotional scars: “Have I fully recovered? Not entirely. There are still after-effects of what happened, of the toll on my family, and even from having all our belongings packed up and ready to move.”
While Sunderland turned their attention elsewhere ultimately signing Wilson Isidor to bolster their frontline Mendy remained focused in Ligue 2, notching up 10 goal contributions in the 2024–25 campaign. His consistent performances have now earned him a move back to southern France, returning to his roots in Toulon with a contract at Montpellier, who are aiming to bounce back into Ligue 1. Mendy’s career tally now stands at 130 goals in all competitions.
Sunderland’s Summer of Ambition:
Under head coach Régis Le Bris, Sunderland have launched a massive squad overhaul, pouring over £109 million into transfers in a bid to reshape the club’s future.
Major signings include
Enzo Le Fée, the dynamic midfielder from Roma, brought in for £20 million.
Noah Sadiki, the versatile Belgian holding midfielder, who arrived from Union SG in a deal worth up to £19.5 million.
Habib Diarra, landed from Strasbourg in a club-record transfer worth up to £30 million.
Chemsedine Talbi, a 20-year-old rising star from Club Brugge, also signed for £19.5 million.
Simon Adingra, whose switch from Brighton could eventually cost Sunderland £20.5 million.
Reinildo, a seasoned full-back and Champions League veteran, joined on a free following his release from Atlético Madrid.
These moves highlight Sunderland’s growing ambition and financial muscle, as they aim not only for promotion but to firmly establish themselves as a Premier League force.
Nafisa
