Sunderland AFC: Divin Mubama transfer update could weaken Black Cats chances | OneFootball

Adding strength up front is a key issue for Regis Le Bris and his team this summer.

Sunderland face more competition in their pursuit of summer striker target Divin Mubama, as top flight French side Lyon join the race for him.

The Daily Mail (print version, 21/07/24) has stated that Lyon are holding talks with Mubama, who has been heavily linked to Sunderland.

At various points, the Black Cats have been reported to be the leading candidates to snap up the former West Ham United forward, who left the Hammers this summer when his contract expired.

The Athletic stated that Sunderland were leading the race to get the 19-year-old, as, subsequently did GiveMeSport.

Mubama has been a well thought of prospect for some time, and his profile fits with the overarching, youth-first recruitment model that chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman have implemented at the Stadium of Light.

Not only does the striker's age make him an obvious target for the club to go after this summer, but his exposure to the West Ham first-team gives a hint as to how highly rated he was at the London Stadium. It should come as no surprise, therefore, that Sunderland aren't the only ones interested in Mubama.

Lyon interested in Divin Mubama

The Daily Mail have reported that Les Gones are trying to snap up the young free agent before anybody else does.

BBC Sport journalist Nizaar Kinsella previously said that clubs from the Premier League, the Championship and in Europe liked the look of the free agent, and that the teenager was leaning towards a move to the continent. Dutch side FC Twente reportedly inquired about a loan move for him in the January window.

As well as overseas intrigue, teams such as West Bromwich Albion have been named as having an interest in Mubama, as per the Daily Mail.

Already in his young career, the teenager has made eight top flight appearances and seven in European competitions (Europa League and Europa Conference League). In that latter competition, he has already got off the mark.

Missing out on Mubama wouldn't be the end of the world for Sunderland

Striker is an area which the Black Cats are trying to target. The Northern Echo have reported that they have made this position a priority for this summer.

This is in part because they have already achieved one of their window goals by adding an experienced midfielder in Alan Browne. They also don't want a repeat of last season where their centre forwards struggled so much to find the back of the net.

With the way that Sunderland usually do business, Mubama is absolutely perfect for them, and they would've been gutted, previously, if they hadn't been able to land him. However, things have changed under Regis Le Bris.

The recruitment focus isn't so youth-heavy. They are targeting, and have held talks over a transfer for, 30-year-old Caen striker Alexandre Mendy, as another example of their non-necessity to always go for up-and-coming talents.

The necessity of youth in their dealings is no longer such a huge focus. Mubama is probably the best player in his position, in his generation, that Sunderland will be able to get this summer, certainly on a free transfer.

Years gone by would have seen them put all their eggs in his basket. Now, in the Le Bris era, it won't come as too big of a hit if he ends up somewhere other than the Stadium of Light.