Sunderland are pushing to sign Alexandre Mendy from Caen, but the Black Cats have been handed a potentially worrying update.
Sunderland and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman will once again try to resolve the club’s striker issues during this summer’s transfer window.
Already, Speakman has outlined his desire to sign a new striker at the Stadium of Light this summer, after last summer’s signings fell short in 2023/24.
Reports on Wednesday claimed that Alexandre Mendy was undergoing a medical at Sunderland, following strong links with a move to Wearside.
But soon after, that suggestion was debunked, with Keith Downie revealing that Mendy was not in Sunderland and that there was still work to be done by the Black Cats.
Mendy scored 22 goals for Caen in Ligue 2 last season, ending the season as the French second tier’s highest scorer.
Sunderland along with Saudi Arabian side Al Riyadh have been closely linked with a move for the 30-year-old this month.
Sunderland told Alexandre Mendy transfer pursuit could drag on
Already, it seems like Mendy to Sunderland has the potential to become a bit of a transfer saga.
And fresh reports coming out of France may bolster that idea, with franceinfo reporting that Mendy to Sunderland could potentially ‘drag on’ due to differences about the price tag.
The same report reveals that Mendy has interest from France and elsewhere in Europe, as well as from outside of Europe, with Caen having received ‘several offers’ since the start of July.
No offer has yet exceeded €1million (£0.84million), with franceinfo hinting that Caen would ideally like a fee as close to €5million (£4.2million) as possible.
It’s also suggested that unless Caen budge on their valuation of Mendy, who is out of contract in 2026, or unless a club comes in with a sizeable offer, then his situation could drag on.
Kristjaan Speakman must learn from key Sunderland mistake amid potential Alexandre Mendy saga
This current Mendy situation has all the hallmark traits of an early transfer saga in the making.
And Speakman has been stung before; Sunderland agreed deals for two strikers last Janaury but were left wanting, with both players opting for alternative moves.
Speakman then needs to keep his options open. He can’t put all his faith in Mendy or even Mendy and one other striker.
There needs to be multiple options for Sunderland this summer in the event that one or two deals fall through.
Regis Le Bris desperately needs a new striker ahead of the start of the 2024/25 Championship season on August 10th.
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