
EPL Index
·18 Juli 2025
Sunderland Agree £17.5m Deal to Sign 19-Goal Serie A Forward – Report

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·18 Juli 2025
Sunderland are continuing their ambitious summer rebuild, with Sky Sports reporting they have agreed a £17.5m deal to sign Sassuolo forward Armand Lauriente. The French attacker is expected to arrive in the UK over the weekend for a medical and finalise personal terms on a five-year contract.
This news comes as Sunderland, newly promoted to the Premier League after a dramatic 2-1 win over Sheffield United in the Play-Off final at Wembley, show no signs of slowing down in the transfer market. Having already secured exciting names like Enzo Le Fee, Habib Diarra, Reinildo Mandava, Noah Sadiki, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra, they have now turned their attention to Lauriente, who worked previously with Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris.
Lauriente was outstanding last season for Sassuolo, netting 19 goals as they earned promotion back to Serie A. His pace, dribbling and finishing have made him a sought-after player, with several European clubs monitoring his progress.
Photo: IMAGO
According to Sky Sports News’ Keith Downie, Lauriente “has agreed a five-year deal and is set to travel to the UK to undergo a medical over the weekend.” His prior relationship with Le Bris, under whom he flourished in France, is seen as a key factor in convincing him to join Sunderland.
This signing underlines Sunderland’s determination to not just survive in the Premier League but compete with attacking flair. The £17.5m fee represents a major investment for the club, and bringing in a player of Lauriente’s pedigree is a clear signal to fans and rivals alike.
Lauriente’s arrival will add depth and versatility to Sunderland’s front line, with the ability to play wide or centrally. It also provides Le Bris with someone familiar with his system, which could smooth the transition into top-flight football.
Sunderland’s summer business has been among the most eye-catching in the Premier League. The blend of youth and experience, combined with Le Bris’ tactical approach, offers hope of more than just a relegation battle.
Speaking to Sky Sports, a source close to the club said, “This is a really exciting time for Sunderland. The board are backing the manager and the fans can feel something building here.” With Lauriente’s signing nearly over the line, Sunderland’s squad is shaping up as one of the most intriguing in the division.
As a Sunderland supporter, it is impossible not to be thrilled at the direction the club is heading. The win over Sheffield United at Wembley was unforgettable, and now the summer signings have lifted spirits to a whole new level.
Bringing in Armand Lauriente feels like a genuine statement. We are not talking about a gamble or a fading star looking for one last payday. This is a player at his peak, fresh off a promotion-winning season in Italy, and he has already thrived under Le Bris. That connection between manager and player is invaluable and gives Sunderland an edge.
The board’s ambition has been clear all summer. Enzo Le Fee is a class act, Habib Diarra is full of promise, and Simon Adingra has the potential to light up the Premier League. Adding Lauriente to that mix makes us dream of not just staying up but pushing into mid-table and even pulling off some shocks against the big boys.
Sunderland are back where we belong, and with this kind of backing and talent, we can look forward to a season of excitement, passion and hopefully some magic moments at the Stadium of Light.