Matteo Guendouzi transfer twist as £21m Sunderland bid revealed with Newcastle United watching
Matteo Guendouzi is said to prefer a return to England but not to Sunderland despite a £21million offer and Premier League interest
Matteo Guendouzi’s position on a January move has been revealed in Italy, with the Lazio midfielder said to prefer a return to the Premier League but not to Sunderland, despite reports of a substantial bid from the Black Cats.
Both Sunderland and Newcastle United have been linked with the 26-year-old in recent months, with Corriere dello Sport reporting in November that the rival clubs were monitoring Guendouzi as Lazio look to raise funds. The Serie A side were placed under a transfer registration ban last summer and are expected to sanction sales in January to stabilise finances, placing high-value assets such as Guendouzi at the centre of speculation.
And now, further reports have clarified the Frenchman’s personal stance. Journalist Giulio Cardone, speaking to RadioSei and relayed via Lazialità, claims Sunderland have submitted an offer worth €25million (around £21.5million) – but Guendouzi would hold out for a club already competing in Europe.
Cardone said: “Sunderland made a significant offer for Guendouzi, worth €25million. The first person Sarri wants to veto is the Frenchman. Guendouzi would like to go to England right now, but not to Sunderland: he wants something more.”
With the midfielder aiming to stake a claim for France ahead of the next World Cup, Champions League or Europa League football is believed to be high on his agenda. Lazio themselves are currently outside continental qualification places, increasing the likelihood of movement if a top-level suitor comes forward.
The reports also note that Guendouzi would welcome a Premier League return, leaving the door open for other English clubs – including Newcastle – should formal interest develop. Sunderland are expected to explore midfield additions in January, but unless the player’s stance changes, attention may need to shift to alternative targets.
Régis Le Bris offers injury update
Régis Le Bris says Sunderland midfielder Habib Diarra is set to miss next weekend’s Wear-Tyne derby, with the head coach admitting the fixture against Newcastle United will likely come too soon for the 21-year-old.
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Diarra has been stepping up his recovery following groin surgery earlier this season and had been in a race to return in time for the derby. While progress has been positive, Le Bris believes the timing will work against him. The Frenchman did, however, offer encouragement elsewhere, revealing that Reinildo is expected to return after sitting out the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City with a groin issue. "For Rei, it could be okay but for Habib, it would be too short, I think," Le Bris said.
Sunderland will also have Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki available for the derby after both avoided a booking at the Etihad. Le Bris moved to withdraw the pair late on, protecting them for Sunday’s clash, with Romaine Mundle and Simon Adingra introduced instead.
Le Bris later explained his decision not to turn to Dan Neil was to keep attacking momentum, with Lutsharel Geertruida pushed into midfield. "Yes, because we tried to stay in the game, to provoke something," he said. "I think with offensive players on the side, it was more or less the idea. It didn't work, but we tried."
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