Sunderland’s Premier League recruitment push shows no signs of slowing down, with the club still looking for defensive reinforcements while also being linked to a surprise striker offer from the Saudi Pro League under Kristjaan Speakman and Florent Ghisolfi.
Mitrović extended an offer to Sunderland amid Saudi uncertainty.
TBR Football reports that Sunderland and Leeds United have been offered the opportunity to sign Aleksandar Mitrović. Since joining Al-Hilal for £50 million from Fulham in 2023, the 30-year-old forward has scored an incredible 68 goals in 79 games.
However, with Al-Hilal apparently pursuing a new marquee striker (possibly Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez), intermediaries are said to be assessing English interest in Mitrović, who still harbours hopes of returning to the Premier League. It is unknown whether Sunderland are actively evaluating the Serbian, since no sources have confirmed interest from within the Stadium of Light.
Badé appears as a crucial defensive target for Le Bris.
Sunderland are interested in signing Sevilla’s highly-rated defender Loïc Badé. According to French website Foot Mercato, Badé has been designated as the club’s key defensive target following promotion to the top division. Régis Le Bris and sporting director Florent Ghisolfi are said to be longtime fans of the 25-year-old Frenchman, who has excelled in both La Liga and European play.
Sunderland’s approach comes after Bournemouth collapsed in negotiations, after agreeing to a £25.5 million deal with Sevilla. Badé is thought to have declined a move to the south coast club, with Foot Mercato reporting that he is looking for a more ambitious project, possibly with European football on the future. Bayer Leverkusen remains a major candidate for his signature, since the Bundesliga winners can offer winners League football.
Ryerson is being monitored – but Dortmund has the cards
Sunderland are also reportedly interested in Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Ryerson for the right side of defence, according to Sky Sports Germany. The 27-year-old Norwegian international is thought to have long-held dreams to play in the Premier League and is admired by both Sunderland and Wolves. Ryerson, who can play as a full-back or wing-back, is currently under contract with Dortmund until 2028, so a transfer would likely necessitate a large fee and a clear statement from the player that he is willing to depart. The defender is valued at approximately £17 million.
Leeds are moving ahead with El Khannouss and Krstovic proposals
Meanwhile, Championship side Leeds United is still pursuing targets who were previously associated with Sunderland. Moroccan international Bilal El Khannouss, who the Black Cats have previously trailed, has received a serious offer from Leeds, according to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri. The Whites are apparently willing to match the midfielder’s release clause of £24.5 million before the August 15 deadline.
Leeds are also showing more interest in Lecce striker Nikola Krstovic. According to journalist Sebastien Vidal, the 100-goal Montenegrin forward has been given permission to depart and is now “high” on Daniel Farke’s wishlist as the team seeks to rebuild their assault in preparation for another Championship promotion campaign.
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