Sunderland target Alan Virginius set to join Clermont on loan | OneFootball

Alan Virginius (20) is set to join Ligue 1 side Clermont Foot on loan, according to L’Équipe journalist Loïc Tanzi. The France youth international had been linked with a move to Championship side Sunderland.

Virginius signed for Lille OSC as a promising prospect from Sochaux back in the summer of 2022, however, the France U20 international has yet to carve himself out a place in Fonseca’s plans. He has made just three substitute appearances in all competitions this season.

Clermont beat significant competition to Virginius signing

However, despite his inability, as of yet, to break into Paulo Fonseca’s plans, the club weren’t willing to let him leave on the cheap. As reported by Foot Mercato, Les Dogues rejected a bid from BSC Young Boys, who offered to take the winger on loan before making the move permanent for €4.5m.

An offer from Clermont Foot was also rejected, however, according to L’Équipe, Virginius will now join the Ligue 1 strugglers. It will be a simple loan deal until the end of the season, and the move will not include an option to make the move permanent. Clermont have beaten Young Boys, Sunderland, FC Lorient and AS Saint-Étienne to the signing of the promising winger, who is in need of game time to further his development.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle