Matteo Guendouzi breaks silence on Sunderland transfer links after Régis Le Bris comments
Matteo Guendouzi addresses Sunderland rumours after Régis Le Bris spoke about the midfielder before the Fulham game
Matteo Guendouzi has spoken publicly for the first time since fresh reports in Italy linked him with a January move to Sunderland.
The Lazio midfielder has been pushed into the spotlight after claims from Gazzetta dello Sport suggested the Black Cats are among the clubs monitoring his situation ahead of the winter window. Lazio’s financial position has placed greater uncertainty over the futures of several senior players, with Guendouzi among those viewed as potential high-value departures. The Serie A side were hit with a transfer registration ban in the summer due to liquidity issues, and to strengthen in January, they are expected to sanction at least one significant sale.
Speaking after Lazio’s 2-0 win over Lecce, Guendouzi was asked directly about his future and the speculation surrounding Sunderland. The Frenchman said, relayed by Tuttomercatoweb: “For me, we’re all focused on the present. We’re united, and that’s fine.”
The former Arsenal midfielder has just reached a milestone of over 100 appearances for the Italian club, something he stressed he remains proud of. He added: “For me, it’s a great thing because I’ve played over one hundred games in just two and a half years, but I want to continue playing in this jersey and score more goals and win more games with the team. For me, that’s the most important thing.”
Although Guendouzi’s comments suggest he is content in Rome, the wider picture is more complicated. With Lazio needing funds to reshape their squad and push for European qualification, the midfielder is viewed internally as one of the players who could command a major fee.
Sunderland’s name entered the conversation last week when Régis Le Bris was asked about his past relationship with the player. The Black Cats’ head coach acknowledged he is still in contact with Guendouzi from their time together at Lorient, a remark that quickly escalated in the Italian press and intensified transfer speculation. Guendouzi featured from the start in Lazio’s victory against Lecce and looked focused on the task at hand, but with January approaching and Lazio under pressure to raise funds, his situation remains one to watch.
What did Régis Le Bris actually say about the transfer link?
Le Bris, speaking ahead of the trip to Fulham, admitted he remains in contact with Guendouzi from their time together at Lorient. The Sunderland boss did not disclose whether the club would pursue a deal, but his ongoing relationship with the player only adds fuel to the speculation.
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"It's too early to speak about the next transfer window," Le Bris pointedly said when asked about the transfer link. "We still have connections with players, and Mattéo is one because I worked with him at Lorient. But at the minute nothing, it's too early. We have really good midfielders, so we'll see."