Kyril Louis-Dreyfus’ £17m Sunderland transfer pursuit revealed after Leeds United interest
Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus reportedly pursued a £17million move for Eduard Spertsyan after previous interest from Leeds United and Southampton
Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus reportedly played a leading role in an attempted move for Armenia international Eduard Spertsyan before the attacking midfielder joined Al-Ahli.
According to journalist Anar Ibrahimov, via Sportaran, the Black Cats contacted Spertsyan’s family and indicated they were prepared to offer around €20million – approximately £17million – to secure his services. Swiss agent Christoph Grafe is said to have led discussions on Sunderland’s behalf in May, although the Premier League club never entered direct negotiations with FC Krasnodar.
Ibrahimov claimed the proposed move was ultimately hindered by circumstances “not directly related to football”, without providing further details about what prevented talks from progressing. Sunderland’s reported salary proposal was said to be significantly lower than the package Spertsyan subsequently accepted in Saudi Arabia. However, that was not believed to have discouraged the player, suggesting he would have been open to moving to the Stadium of Light.
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The 26-year-old had attracted interest after an excellent campaign for Krasnodar, scoring 14 goals and providing 18 assists across 42 appearances. Spertsyan eventually completed a €21million move, worth around £18million, to Al-Ahli earlier this month, signing a four-year contract. Sunderland were not the first English club to miss out on the midfielder.
Southampton submitted an offer last summer, but Krasnodar owner Sergey Galitsky blocked his departure. The decision prompted an angry response from Spertsyan’s representative at the time. Leeds United also explored a move during the winter transfer window, but their interest did not result in a deal. Spertsyan later spoke publicly about his failed opportunities to join both Southampton and Leeds.