Nafisa£17.5m Transfer Collapse: Sunderland Pull Plug on Lauriente Deal After Late Contract Twist
Sunderland’s pursuit of Armand Lauriente has dramatically fallen apart, with the club officially withdrawing from what would have been their seventh summer signing.
Despite agreeing a £17.5 million fee with Sassuolo and even completing a medical, the move collapsed after last-minute issues over personal terms.
The 26-year-old Frenchman had already joined the Black Cats in Portugal for their pre-season training camp, signaling how close the deal was to completion.
However, unresolved negotiations around contract details forced Sunderland to abandon the transfer altogether.
Lauriente has since returned to Italy, and it remains unclear whether he will stay with Sassuolo who recently earned promotion back to Serie A or seek a new challenge elsewhere.
Premier League sides West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur had previously expressed interest, and the current uncertainty could reignite their pursuit.
After a standout 2024/25 campaign in Serie B, where he tallied 18 goals and six assists in 33 matches, Lauriente’s market value is now well established. Any potential suitors will know what it takes to secure his services.
Nafisa
