Sunderland linked with double transfer deal as £21.4m and £12.1m stories emerge alongside Jobe Bellingham talk – round-up
All the latest Sunderland transfer gossip and rumours as derby day against Newcastle United approaches...
Sunderland’s build-up to Sunday’s Wear Tyne derby has run alongside a busy few days of transfer noise, with several names surfacing across Europe and fresh claims emerging on potential outgoing and incoming business ahead of January.
Sunderland re-linked with Jhon Lucumi
Reports in Italy suggested earlier this week that the Black Cats could return for Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi, a player Sunderland pushed hard to sign in the summer. Calciomercato claimed Bologna may now entertain offers around £12.1million, roughly half of what Sunderland are believed to have put forward in the last window. However, sources on Wearside told The Echo last October that Lucumi was not currently viewed as a January target, with the club instead focused on other defensive profiles, especially after the loan arrival of Lutsharel Geertruida.
Matteo Guendouzi and Jobe Bellingham transfer latest
There has also been a development involving Matteo Guendouzi, with journalist Giulio Cardone telling RadioSei that Sunderland submitted a £21.4million offer for the Frenchman, but that the midfielder would prefer a move elsewhere if he returns to England. He said: "Sunderland made a significant offer for Guendouzi, worth €25m. Guendouzi would like to go to England right now, but not to Sunderland. He wants something more." Newcastle United have also been named as admirers, though competition across Europe is expected.
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Elsewhere, Italian speculation around Guendouzi was followed by suggestions that Paris FC are considering a move for former Sunderland man Jobe Bellingham if Dortmund opt for a loan exit, though the German side remain hopeful he develops into a long-term asset. Sunderland fans continue to watch that situation closely due to future clauses linked to his move.
Sundelrand linked with two midfielders
Two midfield links have also resurfaced. Reports from AfricaFoot claimed Sunderland are among clubs monitoring Arthur Avom, with Lorient open to selling the 21-year-old due to contract uncertainty, while Football Insider reported the Black Cats and Aston Villa are tracking Rangers youngster Bailey Rice ahead of his contract expiry next summer. Both deals would fit Sunderland’s age profile and development model, though neither has progressed beyond interest at this stage.
Talk emerges surrounding Régis Le Bris
There was further noise regarding head coach Régis Le Bris, with some outlets suggesting Premier League clubs, including Crystal Palace, Fulham and Bournemouth have been tracking his progress. While those reports did not reference his long-term contract until 2028, the indication is that Sunderland are relaxed and expect Le Bris to continue leading the project going forward.
All eyes now move to the derby, but January planning has already begun quietly in the background. Outgoings could yet shape incomings, with Arthur Masuaku’s future also under review, though Régis Le Bris has confirmed the full back remains available for selection.