BREAKING: Sunderland continue to monitor Italian defender Speakman wanted to sign in 24/25
Sunderland are once again being linked with promising Fiorentina defender Eddy Kouadio, with fresh reports from Italy suggesting the Championship side remain keen on the teenage starlet.
The 19-year-old, who has been on the radar of several European clubs over the past 18 months, first emerged as a Sunderland target during the 2024/25 campaign. According to a new update from Africa Foot*, the Black Cats are still tracking his progress closely, with sporting director Kristjaan Speakman understood to be a long-time admirer of his talent and potential.
Kouadio, a French-born centre-half of Ivorian descent, joined Fiorentina’s youth setup in 2022 and has since risen rapidly through the ranks. Known for his composure in possession, strong aerial ability, and reading of the game, he has already made his senior debut in Serie A and featured in several cup fixtures. His performances have reportedly caught the eye of scouts across the continent, but Sunderland’s interest is believed to be one of the more sustained pursuits.
During the January transfer window earlier this year, reports emerged that Sunderland had opened initial discussions with Fiorentina over a potential deal. Sources at the time claimed that Speakman hoped to secure Kouadio’s signature before the end of last season, with the player potentially joining as part of the club’s long-term defensive rebuild. However, a move failed to materialise, partly due to Fiorentina’s reluctance to let the youngster leave before further evaluating him in their first-team setup.
That stance may have softened slightly over the summer. While Fiorentina value Kouadio highly, they are thought to be open to loan offers that would guarantee him regular first-team football—something Sunderland could potentially provide.
The Black Cats have made improving their defensive depth a priority after an inconsistent campaign last term. Injuries and a lack of experienced cover hampered their push for a playoff spot, and with the current season underway, head coach Régis Le Bris is eager to have more options in central defence.
Kouadio would represent a continuation of Sunderland’s recruitment strategy under Speakman—targeting young, technically gifted players with high resale potential. While such deals are often a gamble, the club’s hierarchy believes this approach has helped them stay competitive in the Championship while building for the future.
Despite Sunderland’s interest, they are unlikely to have a free run at the player. Clubs in France’s Ligue 1 and Germany’s Bundesliga have also been credited with an interest, and Kouadio’s representatives are expected to assess all available options before committing to any move.
For now, Sunderland’s stance remains one of patient monitoring rather than an immediate bid. However, with the transfer window still open, there is scope for developments in the coming weeks—particularly if Fiorentina signal a willingness to negotiate terms.
Whether a deal can finally be struck this time around remains to be seen, but Kouadio’s name is once again firmly in the Black Cats’ notebook, and Speakman’s admiration for the defender shows no sign of fading.
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