Sunderland Premier League Armand Laurienté

Sunderland Close to Major Signing

Jul 18, 2025 — 3 min read
Sunderland Close to Major Signing
Armand Laurienté

Sunderland are on the verge of a significant transfer coup, with reports indicating that the Black Cats are close to finalizing a deal for Sassuolo’s prolific forward Armand Laurienté. The 26-year-old Frenchman, who starred in Serie B last season, is set to join the newly-promoted Premier League side for a reported fee of €20 million (£17 million), marking a bold statement of intent as Sunderland prepare for their return to the top flight.

Who is Laurienté?

Laurienté, a versatile attacker capable of playing across the front line, was a standout performer for Sassuolo during their 2024-25 Serie B campaign, scoring an impressive 18 goals and providing six assists in 33 league appearances. His stellar performances earned him the Serie B Player of the Season award, helping Sassuolo secure promotion back to Serie A. With his pace, close control, and clinical finishing, Laurienté is seen as a natural fit for Sunderland’s high-tempo style under head coach Régis Le Bris.

Negotiations

Negotiations between Sunderland and Sassuolo have progressed rapidly in recent days, with both clubs now confident that an agreement is imminent. According to Le Parisien and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the deal is at the “here we go” stage, with personal terms already agreed and no add-ons included in the €20 million fixed fee. Laurienté’s desire to test himself in the Premier League, coupled with his prior working relationship with Le Bris and Sunderland’s new director of football, Florent Ghisolfi, from their time together at Lorient, has reportedly played a key role in his decision to choose Wearside over other interested clubs, including Bologna, Roma, and Marseille.

The signing of Laurienté represents a major breakthrough for Sunderland, who identified the forward as a top attacking target at the start of the summer transfer window. Despite interest from other European clubs and a previous failed bid of £17 million, the Black Cats have remained patient in their pursuit, leveraging their financial muscle from recent player sales, including Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund and Tommy Watson to Brighton.

Sunderland’s Summer

Sunderland’s ambitious recruitment drive this summer, which has already seen over £100 million invested in signings such as Habib Diarra, Enzo Le Fée, Noah Sadiki, Simon Adingra, and Chemsdine Talbi, underlines their determination to avoid a relegation battle and establish themselves in the Premier League. Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has confirmed the club’s pursuit of “several” more signings, with a central defender and goalkeeper also on the radar.

Laurienté’s arrival would reunite him with Le Bris, under whom he played briefly at Lorient, and Ghisolfi, whose knowledge of the European market has been instrumental in Sunderland’s transfer strategy. The 26-year-old’s experience, with nearly 200 senior appearances and 31 goals across all competitions for Sassuolo since joining from Lorient in 2022, adds a seasoned edge to Sunderland’s youthful squad.

As the Black Cats continue to shape a squad capable of competing in the Premier League, the impending signing of Laurienté signals their ambition to not just survive but thrive in the top tier. With talks nearing completion, Sunderland fans can look forward to seeing the dynamic forward bring his flair and goal-scoring prowess to the Stadium of Light.

Published by
Louis L
Louis L
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