Report: Striker set to reject Sunderland transfer in favour of London return | OneFootball

Aleksandar Mitrovic Set to Reject Sunderland Approach

Sunderland’s hopes of landing a proven Premier League striker appear to be fading, with Aleksandar Mitrovic leaning towards a return to London rather than Wearside. According to a report from GiveMeSport, the Serbian forward has little interest in joining the Black Cats despite their ambitious summer rebuild.

Sunderland’s Transfer Push

Manager Regis Le Bris has wasted no time reshaping his squad since their return to the top flight. The signing of Habib Diarra for £30 million was a statement of intent and the opening day victory against West Ham United hinted at momentum. Yet, as GiveMeSport highlight, “there has been determination to secure additional firepower before the transfer window slams shut on September 1.”

Mitrovic, who scored prolifically in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal, was seen as the ideal addition. His former manager Marco Silva once described him as “unbelievable,” and his experience in the Premier League made him a tempting option for Sunderland. Still, persuading a player earning over £400,000 per week to swap Saudi riches for a relegation fight is proving a challenge.

London Return on the Agenda

The key detail in this saga is Mitrovic’s preference. GiveMeSport report that “Mitrovic’s lack of interest in a move to Sunderland is due to him deciding that his preference is to return to London.” His ties to Fulham, where he was once a fan favourite, remain strong and he has reportedly reached out to gauge whether the Cottagers would entertain a reunion.

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That longing for familiar surroundings may outweigh Sunderland’s financial package. Mitrovic enjoyed a successful spell in west London, and it is easy to see why the capital continues to appeal.

Implications for Sunderland

For Sunderland, the setback raises questions about their recruitment strategy. Securing Premier League survival often hinges on reliable goalscoring options, and missing out on Mitrovic could force the club into late-market alternatives.

Mitrovic’s availability could still tempt another suitor, but as things stand Sunderland appear destined to watch one of their top targets slip away.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Sunderland fan, this news feels like a punch in the gut. We know Mitrovic is the type of player who could make the difference between battling all season at the bottom and building something steady in the Premier League. He has the experience, the physicality, and the knack for goals that our squad needs. To hear that his preference is London makes it hard not to feel like we are once again being overlooked because of geography rather than ambition.

There is no doubt the club is showing intent. Regis Le Bris has brought in some exciting players, and the West Ham win showed we can compete. But without a proven number nine, it feels like we are going into this season underprepared. Mitrovic would have been the statement signing, the one that said Sunderland are back and ready to stay up.

At the same time, Sunderland supporters are realists. We know convincing a player on £400,000 per week to come here was always a long shot. Still, it is frustrating to see that our project cannot yet match the lure of London or the easy choice of familiarity at Fulham. The hope now is that the recruitment team have other targets lined up. What we cannot afford is to go into the season light up front, because in this league that is asking for trouble.