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Sunderland’s £17m Lauriente Deal Collapses – But £34m “Crazy” Goal Machine Could Be Even Better
Sunderland fans have barely had time to catch their breath this summer as the club continues its frenetic activity in the transfer market. Under new boss Regis Le Bris, the Black Cats have already brought in six new signings as they gear up for life back in the Premier League. Expectations soared when Armand Lauriente was spotted arriving on Wearside, with a high-profile £17m move from Sassuolo seemingly imminent. The forward, who netted 18 goals last season in Italy’s second tier, was even in Portugal with the team preparing for pre-season.
However, in a surprising twist, that transfer is now off. Sky Sports’ North East correspondent Keith Downie confirmed that talks collapsed after all parties failed to reach an agreement. Sunderland have now pulled the plug on negotiations, and Lauriente has returned to Italy.
While that deal’s demise is a blow, Sunderland aren’t dwelling on it. In fact, they’re quickly shifting focus to a potentially even more exciting target. According to journalist Ryan Taylor, Sunderland are back in the race for Almeria striker Luis Suárez a deal that had previously gone cold.
Almeria are reportedly now ready to entertain offers again for the Colombian forward, who had attracted interest from Sporting CP and Burnley. With Sporting’s move on hold due to Viktor Gyokeres’ possible Arsenal switch, the door could be open for Sunderland to pounce. The Black Cats have already made contact over a deal for Suárez, who carries a £34m valuation.
If Suárez were to arrive, he could prove to be an upgrade on Lauriente. The Almeria striker was in stunning form during the 2024/25 campaign, racking up 27 goals and 8 assists in Spain’s second division. He also created 10 big chances, showing he’s more than just a poacher he’s a creative force as well. Compared to Lauriente’s 18 goals and 5 assists, Suárez’s numbers shine even brighter.
Talent scout Jacek Kulig once described Suárez’s goal record as “crazy,” and with another prolific season under his belt, he’s proven to be far more than a one-season wonder having also scored 19 goals in 38 games during the 2019/20 season.
While the Lauriente deal falling through is a setback, Sunderland fans have good reason to stay optimistic. If they can land Suárez, it might just be a transfer masterstroke.
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