Sunderland AFC transfer renewal for Alexandre Mendy feels unlikely | OneFootball

Sunderland were linked to Alexandre Mendy in the summer, but a renewal of that interest seems unlikely.

Sunderland were linked heavily with a move for prolific SM Caen striker Alexandre Mendy in the summer, and it looked as though at some point he would be making the move to Wearside.

However, a deal failed to be completed, and despite Sunderland's keenness at the time, a renewal of that interest now seems like it will not come when the transfer window reopens in January 2025.

The 30-year-old recently became Caen's club's record goalscorer, netting his record-breaking 70th goal in October.

It seems likely that there will be plenty more to follow, as he currently has six goals in nine appearances. Despite this, Caen - majority owned by Kylian Mbappe - are languishing towards the bottom of the table in Ligue 2.

Considering his goalscoring record over his stint with the Vikings, it's easy to understand why clubs have been eyeing the striker.

Having never played outside of France either, Mendy himself was keen to take on a new challenge in the summer. A trip across the English Channel to Sunderland was on the cards - one that the forward seemed desperate for with his interviews - but the move never came due to the French side being taken over.

No matter how close the deal might have been, the Black Cats have fared well without Mendy, currently sitting five points clear at the top of the Championship, and this is just one of the many reasons that may prevent the striker from getting his move to the North East in January.

Alexandre Mendy's current SM Caen situation

It was no secret in the summer that the Guinea-Bissau international was trying his utmost to get himself out of SMC. The star man had been forced to train away from his teammates whilst his transfer saga continued, but he was ordered to rejoin the group later on.

In an interview in the summer, the want-away forward spoke out to squash rumours that he was willing to remain in France with his current club.

He stated: "The fact that it is a done deal that I am staying here. It is not against Nico [Seube] and he did not say it to influence anyone. It is just the little information he receives.

"Nico has been understanding me since the beginning, and it is he who allows me to train seriously. He puts me in the best position to be ready. But today, even for him, the situation will become unmanageable."

Mendy remained adamant about his intentions to join Sunderland, citing it as an offer he couldn't refuse, adding: "My will has not changed, Sunderland has not withdrawn. Sunderland is always ready to welcome me, and I am always ready to join Sunderland.

"It’s not something you can refuse, because it’s England, a football country. The coach has wanted me for a long time. It’s not just a question of money."

Sadly, this interview speaking out against his club didn't have the desired impact, as his move failed to happen.

This left everyone in an awkward position, as Mendy's heart was clearly in Wearside. However, the forward remained professional and has continued the red-hot form he's become well-known for.

Why Alexandre Mendy's Sunderland AFC deal collapsed

A pretty crazy story was developing at Caen in the summer, as Real Madrid attacker Kylian Mbappé acquired a majority share in the second-tier outfit.

His company, Interconnected Ventures, purchased a majority stake in SMC through its investment arm, Coalition Capital.

The new owners were keen to keep hold of their talisman, citing a reliance on his goals as the only opportunity Caen had of success for the season.

Mendy denied that Mbappé had even spoken to him to discuss the potential of remaining at the club, his move was just blocked by the higher-ups.

This, of course, was frustrating for the player, as he already had his heart set on the agreed move before the takeover. His family had been prepared for the move to happen, so when it collapsed, it affected Mendy's whole family.

Regarding the matter, the 30-year-old said: "I am waiting. With my family, we have planned. It is especially hard for my loved ones. We live in boxes. My head is in Sunderland."

In a show of his professionalism, his return to Caen has proven that Coalition Capital's fight to keep the striker was well worth it. Mendy is well on course to hit double figures once again this season, thanks to an electric start to the campaign.

His manager, Nico Seube, admitted how grateful he was that the management of the club got their way and retained the Guinea-Bissau international.

Sunderland AFC renewing interest in Alexandre Mendy unlikely to occur

Despite coming so close to landing the striker, and Mendy's unwavering desire to play for Regis Le Bris' Mackems, recent events make a renewal of Sunderland's interest unlikely.

Undoubtedly, Mendy will still be keen on the move, especially looking at the position that the Black Cats find themselves in. Le Bris has got the squad playing exciting football and a Premier League return looks to be a genuine possibility.

Of course, it would be a dream for the 30-year-old to play in the top flight in England, but it's unlikely that Sunderland will be in the hunt for a striker.

Wilson Isidor, Eliezer Mayenda, and Aaron Connolly offer three excellent striking options for the former Premier League side, and with all three still being fairly young and having plenty of room for growth, the French manager wouldn't want to risk hindering any of his players' development.

Depth isn't a problem either, as Nazariy Rusyn could find himself up for sale in January, due to a lack of game-time.

Mendy would want to be the first choice, but that wouldn't be guaranteed thanks to the great form of Isidor, with the risk of unsettling the squad in what has been a successful season is far too big.

Another important point is that Caen's stance wouldn't have changed since the summer. The Guinea-Bissau striker is under contract until 2026, meaning the French side is under no pressure to make a sale.

With that in mind, Sunderland will likely steer clear of reigniting interest in January, as they could risk creating another saga again.