Sunderland linked with £52.5m triple transfer deal as Wilson Isidor and Granit Xhaka claims emerge
Fresh reports link Sunderland with a £52.5m triple deal amid new Wilson Isidor and Granit Xhaka talk
Sunderland continue to find themselves at the centre of a busy news cycle on and off the pitch. Transfer interest, international decisions, scouting chatter and Premier League appointments have all featured over the past few days, while supporters have once again played their part away from the football itself.
As ever, there is plenty for Black Cats fans to keep an eye on as the January window edges closer and the fixtures start to stack up. Here is your comprehensive Echo round-up of the latest developments involving Sunderland, from transfer talk to wider stories across Wearside football.
Wrexham register interest in rising French talent
Wrexham have joined the race to sign 18-year-old Angers forward Sidiki Cherif, according to Football Insider. The teenager is also attracting interest from Newcastle, Sunderland and Fulham after a strong breakthrough season in Ligue 1.
The player, who is under contract until 2028, is said to be valued at £22million, and has scored three goals in his last five games, including strikes against Ligue 1 giants Monaco and Marseille. As such, several high-profile European clubs are said to be monitoring his progress in his native France, including the aforementioned English trio.
Sunderland linked with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Matteo Guendoudi
Sunderland are weighing up midfield options ahead of the January window and have added Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru to a growing list of potential targets, according to reports in Italy.
Lazio News24, relaying claims from national newspaper La Repubblica, say a Premier League club has already signalled concrete interest in the 24-year-old, with Sunderland named as one of the sides monitoring his availability. The Black Cats are expected to be active in the winter market as they look to strengthen the centre of the pitch and increase competition for places in Régis Le Bris’ squad. The player is currently rated at around £4.2million.
Italian reports claim that Lazio may be open to parting with long-term Sunderland target Matteo Guendouzi in January if a fee in the region of €30million (£26.3million) is put forward. The French midfielder, who has been heavily mentioned alongside both Sunderland and Newcastle United, has made more than 100 appearances for the Serie A side since arriving in 2023.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Lazio are prepared to “consider” offers at the €30million (£26.3million) mark, which could bring Guendouzi’s future to a head in the upcoming window. Le Bris knows Guendouzi from his days at Lorient. The midfielder has now made 103 appearances for the Serie A side since joining Lazio in 2023.
Wilson Isidor weighing up international options
Wilson Isidor is still assessing his international allegiances ahead of the next World Cup cycle, as reported by The Sun on Sunday. The 25-year-old, born in Rennes, remains eligible for both France and Haiti and has yet to formally commit to either nation.
Xhaka not for sale amid Juventus interest
Former Sunderland and Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown has told Football Insider that the club will not entertain January bids for Granit Xhaka. The 33-year-old, who arrived for £17.3million from Bayer Leverkusen, is viewed as a core figure in Le Bris’ squad despite interest from Juventus and other European sides.
Bradley Lowery Foundation issues message of thanks
The Bradley Lowery Foundation has thanked Sunderland and Everton supporters for donating £970 during a bucket collection at the Stadium of Light. Volunteers from the charity also contributed their time to support the fundraising effort.
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On social media, the charity wrote: “We want to say a HUGE thank you to Sunderland AFC and Everton Football Club fans who recently donated during our bucket collection outside of the Stadium of Light. Thanks to your incredible support, we raised an amazing £970! A big shout-out to our volunteers, too, who kindly donated their time to help out at the collection.”
Referee appointments confirmed
The Premier League has confirmed that Stuart Attwell will take charge of Liverpool vs Sunderland on 3 December, with Constantine Hatzidakis and Adrian Holmes as assistants and Tim Wood on VAR duty. For Sunderland vs Bournemouth on 29 November, Tim Robinson will referee, supported by Richard West and Mark Scholes, with John Brooks overseeing VAR and Simon Bennett as AVAR.