Major Sunderland managerial development shared with 48-year-old set for job | OneFootball

Lorient boss Regis Le Bris is in advanced talks with Sunderland about becoming their new boss.

Highlights

Lorient boss Regis Le Bris is in ‘advanced’ talks with Sunderland as he closes in on becoming their new manager, and he could be announced as the new boss over the weekend.

The Black Cats have just endured a tough season, which saw them finish the campaign in 16th, whilst they were without a permanent manager for the final few months as Mike Dodds stepped up as a caretaker following Michael Beale’s sacking.

Since the dismissal of the ex-Rangers chief in February, attention has turned to naming his successor, with the club giving themselves plenty of time to make a decision.

Regis Le Bris closing in on Sunderland job

A host of names have been linked with the role in that period, including the likes of Will Still and Pascal Jansen.

However, for whatever reason, Sunderland have failed to make an appointment so far, despite owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus claiming two weeks ago that a decision was imminent.

But, they appear to have finally made a breakthrough, as journalist Sacha Tavolieri has revealed on social media that Le Bris is the ‘chosen one’.

He states that the 48-year-old Lorient boss is open to making the move to Wearside, with discussions at an ‘advanced’ stage.

It has also been shared by Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie that the appointment could be finalised in the coming days, although Sunderland do need to wait until a work permit is granted.

He also explained that Le Bris had always been part of a five-man shortlist after Beale's exit, but an approach for Still had delayed the process, with the ex-Reims chief taking charge of Lens.

Le Bris was appointed as the Lorient boss back in 2022, in what was his first managerial role, and it’s fair to say he has had a mixed time of things.

His first season saw the club record a 10th place finish in Ligue 1, which would be considered an overachievement given the resources he had at his disposal. Furthermore, he had encouraged a stylish, attacking brand of football that made the side enjoyable to watch.

Yet, the previous campaign was a very tough one for Lorient, as they were relegated to the second division following a terrible run of form during the run-in, which saw the team lose seven games on the bounce going into the final day.

So, he would arrive at the Stadium of Light with a relegation on his CV, but the hierarchy clearly feel a productive first season, and his style of play, along with an ability to develop young players, makes Le Bris a good fit for Sunderland.

Sunderland’s summer plans

There is pressure on the board to get this right, as fans have understandably grown increasingly frustrated at how this managerial search has played out.

Whether Le Bris is the right man for the job is going to be up for debate, but it is pleasing that the club appear to be making a decision, as they need a new boss in place quickly.

Whilst the manager doesn’t control transfers at Sunderland, they will have a say, and a lot of business needs to be done over the coming weeks as they try to build a squad that is capable of winning promotion.

So, this will stop any speculation, and it could allow the club to try and move forward. The fans are sure to back Le Bris from the start, but he will need to do well initially to keep them on side, in what is a fantastic opportunity for him at a big club with huge potential.