Lee Johnson issues a promising Sunderland takeover update with Kyril Louis-Dreyfus on Wearside

Lee Johnson says Sunderland fans should ‘get used’ to seeing Kyril Louis-Dreyfus – having offered a promising update on the takeover of the club.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The 23-year-old was spotted at the Black Cats’ defeat at Shrewsbury Town on Tuesday evening and is understood to be on Wearside this week as he moves towards a deal.

Louis-Dreyfus, whose family are worth upwards of $6billion, will be appointed as the club’s new chairman if a deal is sanctioned.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And the Sunderland head coach believes that will soon become the normality as Louis-Dreyfus moves closer to obtaining a controlling stake in the club from Stewart Donald.

Lee Johnson has been discussing the Sunderland AFC takeover by Kyril Louis-DreyfusLee Johnson has been discussing the Sunderland AFC takeover by Kyril Louis-Dreyfus
Lee Johnson has been discussing the Sunderland AFC takeover by Kyril Louis-Dreyfus

The deal is still going through EFL checks, but Johnson says the noises he are hearing suggests it is 'as close as it can get.’

Speaking at his weekly press conference, Johnson said: “I’ll be honest, I haven’t had any conversations with the chairman [Donald] in a while.

"Obviously people will have seen Kyril at the latest game, that was quite well documented and I expect us to get used to having him around the place, seeing his face and introducing his style from the top.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“At the same time, I can’t give you any definitive timescale or chronological order of when that may happen or when it may not.”

“Everything I hear is that it’s really, really close – about as close as it can get,” he continued.

"But at the same time this is football, isn’t it? I wouldn’t go live with the story just yet because I wouldn’t want you to look silly.

When quizzed on how he has dealt with the takeover speculation, Johnson added: “I know I can ask the question and the question will be answered to the best of people’s knowledge.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I think that it’s about managing the people, the press because it’s a big story, the uncertainty within the squad and players as well – whether that’s the salary cap or new ownership, you want to be as honest as you can with the squad.

"But at the same time, your focus needs to be on the performance on the match day and trying to get results.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor:

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor