Sunderland have successfully completed the signing of French forward Armand Laurienté from Sassuolo, with the deal receiving Fabrizio Romano’s coveted “Here We Go” confirmation. Sunderland have agreed a £17m deal to sign the 26-year-old forward, marking a big breakthrough in the club’s ambitious transfer window.
The transfer is a substantial investment by Sunderland, with multiple sources confirming the fee structure. According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Sunderland will pay a fee of just over £17 million to sign the forward. This fee demonstrates Sunderland’s financial commitment to securing top-quality talent for their Championship campaign and potential Premier League push.
A crucial factor in completing the transfer has been Laurienté’s personal desire to join Sunderland. The player is keen on the move and so it is now expected to progress quickly, according to Romano’s latest update. This enthusiasm from the player has been instrumental in overcoming any potential obstacles in the negotiation process.
Sunderland’s Long-Standing Interest
This transfer is the interest of sustained interest from Sunderland throughout the summer window. Sunderland are on the verge of sealing a deal for Sassuolo forward Armand Lauriente, according to Le Parisien. Lauriente has been a long-standing target for Sunderland this window, and the Frenchman is understood to be keen on a move to Wearside in search of Premier League football.
The persistence shown by Sunderland in pursuing Laurienté demonstrates their conviction that he represents the right signing for their ambitious project under Régis Le Bris.
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Player Profile and Career Background
Laurienté brings substantial experience and proven goal-scoring ability to Sunderland. A product of Rennes’ academy, Lauriente also had spells with Orléans and Lorient before moving to Sassuolo in 2022 for a €10 million fee. His career path shows consistent development and adaptation to different leagues and playing styles.
His time at Sassuolo has been particularly impressive, where Laurienté joined Sassuolo from Regis Le Bris’ former club, FC Lorient, in 2022, and has since gone on to register 31 goals and 18 assists across 102 appearances. This creates an interesting connection with Sunderland’s current manager, who knows the player’s qualities intimately.
Market Valuation and Investment
The transfer fee is a big premium on Laurienté’s current market valuation. Transfermarkt currently values the 26-year-old winger at €15 million, suggesting Sunderland are paying above market value to secure his signature. This willingness to exceed market rates demonstrates the club’s belief in his potential impact.
Recent Performance Recognition
Laurienté’s quality has been recognized at the highest level of Italian football. His prolific form earned him the title of Serie B’s best player last season, highlighting his ability to perform consistently at a high level. This individual recognition provides confidence that he can make an immediate impact in the Championship.
Strategic Fit with Sunderland’s Ambitions
The signing aligns perfectly with Sunderland’s stated ambitions for the upcoming season. Armand Lauriente has been heavily linked with a move to Sunderland this summer. Ambition has been the buzzword on Wearside for a few years now, and the Black Cats have already shown plenty of it in the transfer market.
This transfer is another big statement of intent from a club determined to achieve Premier League promotion and establish themselves as a force in English football.
Transfer Window Context
The Laurienté signing is part of Sunderland’s broader investment strategy this summer. Sunderland have already spent over £100million this summer, with no signs of slowing down in their pursuit of quality players. This substantial investment demonstrates the club’s serious commitment to competing at the highest level.
From Sassuolo’s perspective, the sale makes financial sense despite losing a key player. Despite being newly-promoted themselves, it is suggested that the Italian outfit are “open to offers” and “would not rule out his exit”. The £17 million fee represents a healthy profit on their original €10 million investment.
Manager’s Influence
The connection between Laurienté and Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris cannot be understated. Having worked with the player previously at Lorient, Le Bris understands exactly what Laurienté can bring to the team. This familiarity should facilitate a smooth integration into the squad and tactical system.
Laurienté’s arrival significantly strengthens Sunderland’s attacking options for the premier league campaign. His pace, technical ability, and goal-scoring record suggest he can be a game-changer in England’s second tier. The investment shows Sunderland’s determination to compete in the Premier League.
Contract Details and Long-term Planning
While specific contract terms have not been disclosed, the substantial transfer fee suggests Sunderland have secured Laurienté on a long-term deal. This investment represents part of the club’s broader strategy to build a squad capable of sustained success.
The transfer aligns with sporting director Kristjaan Speakman’s vision for the club. Speaking last week to Sky Sports, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said the club still wanted to add quality to their squad, and Laurienté’s signing represents exactly that ambition being realized.
At 26 years old, Laurienté arrives at Sunderland at the perfect age to make an immediate impact while offering long-term value. His experience across different leagues and proven adaptability suggest he can thrive in the Premier league environment.
