Laurienté poised to link up with Sunderland in Portugal after a private trip from Italy to finalize the trade.
Sunderland’s £17.5 million move for Armand Laurienté has taken a significant step ahead, with the French winger heading to Portugal this afternoon to join his new colleagues.
According to Sky Sports writer Keith Downie, Laurienté is flying from Italy on a private jet after reaching an agreement with Sassuolo earlier this week. The 26-year-old is set to see Sunderland’s preseason game against Sevilla tonight.
Downie’s tweet reads: “EXCL: Armand Laurienté will go to Portugal this afternoon to meet up with his soon-to-be Sunderland teammates. The Frenchman will go by private aircraft from Italy after #SAFC agreed to a £17.5 million agreement with Sassuolo for the attacker. Laurienté is scheduled to watch tonight’s play against Sevilla, if his physical is done on time.”
Régis Le Bris and Florent Ghisolfi, the club’s new director of football, have long wanted to sign the French forward, who previously worked together at Lorient. Laurienté scored 18 goals for Sassuolo last season as they were promoted back to Serie A, and he has previous top-flight experience in France and Italy.
His arrival is a statement of purpose from Sunderland, who have already spent heavily this summer to prepare for life again in the Premier League.
Laurienté is expected to bring great pace, directness, and versatility to Le Bris’ forward line, as he can play both in the middle and from wide areas.
Sunderland play Sevilla tonight at the Estadio Algarve, followed by a high-profile friendly against Sporting Lisbon on Monday, and Laurienté could be in attendance for both.
The medical, while nearing completion, must be finalised and approved before any official involvement may begin.
The £17.5 million fee reflects the club’s increased ambition under Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, Juan Sartori, and new sporting leadership, as expenditure has now surpassed £100 million during the current window. If all goes as planned, Laurienté will be the latest addition to a hectic window in which Sunderland has previously pursued agreements for Habib Diarra, Reinildo, and others, with more business expected in the following weeks.
What other information has been released about the move?
Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali recently stated that Armand Laurienté’s transfer to Sunderland is nearing completion, with the forward currently heading for a medical ahead of a Premier League move.
Speaking at the United Charity Gala Dinner in Italy, Carnevali told the media that the two clubs had achieved a comprehensive deal for the 26-year-old, with official confirmation coming within 48 hours. “It’s almost finished. “The player is on his way to medicals, and we’ve already reached an agreement with Sunderland,” Carnevali stated. “We’re in the final stages – I think we’ll make everything official tomorrow or Sunday.”
Carnevali recognized Laurienté’s departure would be a significant loss for the Italian club, but it would allow them to reinvest. “It’s going to be a difficult season,” he told me. “Laurienté’s departure will cost us approximately €20 million, which will allow us to make useful investments in preparation for the championship. We still have a lot to accomplish; I’m not saying we’re behind, but the market is lengthy and complex.”
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