The Black Cats are reportedly tracking Lorient forward Sambou Soumano following his breakout campaign

Sunderland are reportedly eyeing a move for Lorient striker Sambou Soumano, with the Senegalese forward attracting interest from a number of clubs across Europe.

According to Football Insider, Brentford, Burnley and Sunderland are all keeping close tabs on the 24-year-old, who enjoyed a standout campaign in France’s second tier last season.

Soumano scored 14 goals in just 11 starts, helping to fire Lorient back into Ligue 1 at the first time of asking. His form has not only put him on the radar of potential suitors in the Premier League, but has also caught the attention of Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw, who is reportedly considering him for the next international call-up.

With just one year left on his contract, Lorient could face pressure to sell the striker this summer rather than risk losing him for free in 2026. The report claims interest is growing quickly, with Premier League clubs keen to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new season.

Sunderland, now back in the top flight, are expected to add further depth in forward areas as they look to build a squad capable of staying up. Fellow promoted side Burnley are also said to be in the mix, while Brentford may be preparing for life after Bryan Mbeumo, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United. Senegal boss Thiaw is said to rate Soumano highly, reportedly believing he is already at the level of current national team striker Nicolas Jackson.

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Soumano is known for his clinical edge and relentless pressing, traits that align with Sunderland’s forward-focused, high-energy approach under Régis Le Bris, who could be familiar with the striker from his time managing in France. The Black Cats have stepped up their recruitment push in recent days following the impending arrival of Habib Diarra in a £30million club-record deal and the imminent appointment of Florent Ghisolfi as director of football.

What other Sunderland-related news is there?

Sunderland's final pre-season friendlies have been confirmed after two games were announced for the final weekend before the Premier League campaign begins.

Rayo Vallecano, who finish eighth in La Liga last season, announced on Friday afternoon that they would face the Black Cats at the Stadium of Light on Sunday August 10th, with a kick off time of 4.30pm. The fixture has subsequently been confirmed by Sunderland.

The Black Cats have also confirmed that they will travel to the WWK Arena the day before (Saturday August 9th), for a fixture against Bundesliga side FC Augsburg. Augsburg finished 12th in the Bundesliga. Ticketing information for both of the final pre-season friendlies is set to be confirmed in due course.

Sunderland's players will return to the Academy of Light for pre-season testing next Friday (July 3rd), before beginning training in earnest the following week. Their pre-season schedule then kicks off with the now traditional double-header against Gateshead and South Shields.

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