Fabrizio Romano has reported fresh developments on a £25million Sunderland-linked transfer deal

Bayer Leverkusen are closing in on the signing of Sevilla defender Loïc Badé – but Sunderland remain among the clubs to have been linked with the France international this summer.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reported on Monday night that Leverkusen are “on the way to close” a deal, with talks progressing after personal terms were agreed with Badé’s camp last week. The Bundesliga side are optimistic an agreement will be finalised before the weekend.

Writing on social media, Romano said: “Bayer Leverkusen are on the way to close Loïc Badé deal! Agreement closer and talks underway with Sevilla, after personal terms agreed with Bade’s camp last week. Bayer, optimistic to get it done this week.”

It comes after an initial post by Spanish outlet El Chiringuito was followed up by French publication FootMercato, who claimed Sunderland and Premier League rivals Bournemouth had been “in pole position” for the player in recent weeks. The report also credited Marseille and Villarreal with interest, while clarifying that Tottenham’s links were not current. Aston Villa are also said to be monitoring the situation.

Badé, capped once by France, is under contract with Sevilla until June 2029 and is believed to be valued at around £25million. Speaking to ABC Sevilla earlier this year, the defender opened up on reported interest from Aston VillaL “Yes, I have spoken to him (Monchi, Aston Villa), but I have explained the situation and how well I feel.

“He was the first to understand it. I’m one of those who think in the present and that I feel very good here. So, I think more about being happy today than anything else. Then whatever has to happen will happen, but now I don’t think about anywhere else. When the summer comes, we’ll see where we are. Whether there are new offers or not, I don’t want to think about it.”

Sunderland’s reported interest in Badé has been partly attributed to the presence of sporting director Florent Ghisolfi, who previously signed the centre-back for Lens in 2020 after only a handful of Ligue 2 appearances. Speaking at the time of Badé’s departure from Lens to join Rennes, Ghisolfi said: “Loïc managed this period of solicitation and discussion with elegance and maturity.

“He is a very good player, but above all, he is a great person. We are proud to have recruited Loïc after only a few Ligue 2 matches, and to have created the conditions for his blossoming in Ligue 1. The work of the staff, his teammates, and his daily commitment have allowed him to fully express his potential.

“And the early arrival of this event in our transfer window and our pre-season will allow us to best prepare for this 2021-2022 season, by focusing once again on building a competitive squad and team determined to perform in this Ligue 1 championship.”

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Speculation over a possible move to Wearside reignited recently after fans noticed Badé’s prominent placement in a Sunderland social media post. However, Romano’s latest update suggests the defender’s future is now likely to be in the Bundesliga. The tweet, shared on the club’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, wished Sporting CP and Sevilla good luck for the season following the conclusion of Sunderland’s training camp in Portugal. But it was the choice of photo that caught the eye: Sevilla defender Badé front and centre in the lead image.

However, it now looks like he is on his way to join Erik ten Hag as Sunderland look forward to their opening game in the Premier League against West Ham at the Stadium of Light this Saturday.

What other Sunderland-related transfer news is there?

Paraguay centre-back Omar Alderete has sealed a £10million move to Sunderland from La Liga side Getafe, signing a contract until June 2029.

Sunderland have landed their latest summer signing after Romano confirmed that Omar Alderete’s switch from Getafe is complete. The 28-year-old Paraguay international joins the Black Cats on a long-term deal as part of the club’s Premier League squad rebuild under Régis Le Bris.

The Black Cats are believed to have fended off competition for Alderete, who has built a strong reputation in Spain’s top flight. Romano reported on Monday morning: “Omar Alderete to Sunderland, here we go! Deal sealed with Getafe for £10m fee. Contract until June 2029. All done.”

The deal continues Sunderland’s high-spending summer, which has already seen the arrivals of Granit Xhaka, Simon Adingra, Robin Roefs and Reinildo Mandava. With Alderete tied down until 2029, the Black Cats have secured not just immediate defensive reinforcement but also a player who can form part of their long-term core.

Sunderland fans will now be eager to see Alderete in action when the Premier League campaign begins, with his signing representing another statement of intent from Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and the club’s recruitment team.

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