With less than one week left until their Championship campaign begins, Sunderland have hit a transfer hurdle.
The Black Cats are in the market for a new centre-forward this summer, but they are finding it difficult to get a deal over the line.
Their pursuit of Ike Ugbo has fallen flat with the 25-year-old expected to join Sheffield Wednesday after spending the second half of the season on loan with The Owls.
HITC confirmed that Sunderland were also in the market for Beveran forward Goduine Koyalipou, but he has since completed a move to CSKA Sofia.
Sunderland were initially pushing to sign SM Caen striker Alexandre Mendy but any potential deal was held up by Kylian Mbappe’s takeover of the club.
Talks for the 30-year-old forward stalled and his potential move to the Stadium of Light was blocked.
He shared his frustration about the blocked move via the Sunderland Echo – “I do not want to engage in a power struggle with the club but, today, I am very affected by this situation,” he said.
Alexandre Mendy’s agent lashes out
Sunderland‘s pursuit of Mendy has faced multiple hurdles because of Mbappe’s takeover.
Interconnected Ventures – a company owned by the Real Madrid superstar – wants to try and convince Mendy to stay at the French club despite his agreement over a move to Sunderland.
As reported by FootMercato, Mendy’s agent has now spoken out on the blocked move, suggesting his client feels “betrayed”.
“A word is worth more than millions and what is happening today is a disgrace,” he said.
“How can we imagine that the player can be mentally ready for the upcoming season after having been betrayed in this way?
“I fight against all forms of injustice in this environment and what is happening, currently, is not tolerable. Trust has been broken.”
Sunderland running out of time
Sunderland still hope that they can strike an agreement for Mendy this summer despite the complications.
The North East side struggled in front of goal last season, only seven teams scored fewer than Sunderland’s 52 goals in 2023-24.
Mendy certainly seems like the fix to their problems after he netted 23 times in all competitions last season.
Sunderland kick off their Championship campaign on Saturday afternoon away to Cardiff City.
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