Report: Sunderland close in on £17.5m move for Serie A attacker | OneFootball

Sunderland on Verge of £17.5m Laurienté Coup – What It Means for the Black Cats

Armand Laurienté Arrival Signals Sunderland’s Ambition

Sunderland’s pursuit of promotion just took a serious step forward. As reported by Sky Sports News’ Keith Downie, French winger Armand Laurienté is closing in on a move to the Stadium of Light, with a £17.5 million deal struck with Serie A side Sassuolo.

Laurienté is reportedly en route to Portugal via private jet this afternoon, where he will link up with his soon-to-be teammates at Sunderland’s pre-season training camp.

This potential acquisition is not just a marquee signing it’s a statement of intent. At 25, Laurienté brings top-flight experience from Italy, having played against the likes of Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter. He’s a player with pace, flair, and a directness that could electrify Sunderland.

Who is Armand Laurienté?

Laurienté first caught the eye in Ligue 1 with Lorient, where his technical skill and agility made him one of the most watchable young talents in France. A move to Sassuolo in 2022 offered him the chance to test himself in Serie A, where he’s made notable contributions despite Sassuolo’s inconsistent campaigns.

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A left-footed attacker who can operate on either flank, Laurienté is known for cutting inside, beating his man, and striking from distance. If he can translate that form to  Sunderland they will have a real match-winner on their hands.

What This Means for the Promotion Race

Sunderland’s fan base has endured enough false dawns, but this feels different. Investment is being paired with purpose, and Laurienté’s signing could serve as a catalyst to keep the Black Cats in the Premier League.

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From a fan perspective, this is the kind of deal Sunderland supporters have long been waiting for. A £17.5m investment is eye-catching, and a sign that the club’s hierarchy are serious about surviving to the top tier.

There will be excitement about Laurienté’s quality, especially given his Serie A experience. However, there’s also a degree of realism among Sunderland fans. English football is notoriously physical and unforgiving—some players from abroad take time to adapt, while others thrive instantly. The hope will be that Laurienté’s style and attitude fit the club’s high-energy, attacking philosophy.

What also stands out is the timing. Getting this deal done early allows him to integrate during pre-season and build chemistry. It suggests a club that’s finally ahead of the curve rather than constantly playing catch-up.