Sunderland Receive Boost In Pursuit Of This Defensive Ace: Why They Must Splash The Cash | OneFootball

Despite seeing their £23m bid rejected for Bafodé Diakité, Sunderland have now received a boost in their hunt for the versatile Lille defensive ace. Bournemouth were also in the mix, but have now switched their focus elsewhere after their offer of around £26m was rebuffed, The Mirror has revealed.

The 24-year-old former French youth international progressed through Toulouse’s academy ranks before breaking into their first-team squad at the age of 17. Soon, he secured a key status in deep defence and the Mastiffs, impressed by his emergence during Les Violets’ Ligue 2 winning campaign, snapped him up for just over £2.5m in the summer of 2022.

So far, he has made 112 appearances for Lille, including 48 outings last season across competitions. After featuring as a fullback in his first campaign at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Diakité has mostly been deployed in the heart of the backline since 2023. Lille would demand at least £34.7m for their prized asset, and the Frenchman, despite being keen to experience Premier League football, would let the club president, Olivier Letang, decide his future.

Why Sunderland Must Bolster The Deep Defence

Sunderland have had a busy summer since gaining a dramatic top-flight promotion via the playoffs. Gaffer Regis Le Bris has lost Tom Watson and Jobe Bellingham to Brighton & Hove Albion and Borussia Dortmund, respectively. But he brought his contacts and connections in service to tie down Habib Diarra and Enzo Le Fée. The Black Cats have spent more than £100m already to bolster the squad; however, they have yet to snap up an outright centre-half, with veteran left-back Reinildo Mandava being the only defensive recruit.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – APRIL 11: Bafode Diakite of Lille celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Angel Gomes during the UEFA Europa Conference League 2023/24 Quarter-final first leg match between Aston Villa and Lille OSC at Villa Park on April 11, 2024 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

The Wearsiders have been linked with several defenders over the past few weeks. Jhon Lucumí of Bologna has also emerged as a summer target. But the Colombian has rejected a move, as claimed by Il Resto del Carlino, relayed by Bologna outlet 1000 Cuori Rossoblu. The Mackems are now in urgent need of reinforcements, given their current crisis in central defence.

Why Diakite Would Fit In Le Bris’ Project

Luke O’Nien and Daniel Ballard made significant strides under Regis Le Bris. However, their lack of top-flight experience could trouble them deep down the campaign. Aji Alese and Leo Hjelde, who are only viewed as sporadic options, would miss the start of the upcoming campaign alongside O’Nien and left fullback Dennis Cirkin due to their respective injury woes. Chris Mepham had a towering presence while on loan from Bournemouth, but he is not expected to return to the Stadium of Light for a second successive season.

Diakite is rated for his aerial and physical supremacy, concentration, composure, and ball-playing attributes. His holding ability often creates space, thus allowing swift attacking transitions from the back. Le Bris has an exciting pool of young players, and the addition of the Lille asset would help him drive his Sunderland project with more conviction and certainty.