Sunderland fans like the Georgian international, but he faces heavy competition from Serie A giants Roma.
Sunderland are looking for a headline acquisition this summer, with French journalist Sacha Tavolieri saying that the Premier League newcomers are “truly” interested in Georgia international striker Georges Mikautadze.
The 23-year-old, who played for FC Metz last season and shined at Euro 2024, is presently owned by Lyon. However, the Ligue 1 club’s precarious financial situation may compel them to sell, potentially allowing Sunderland to make their approach. Tavolieri reports Mikautadze’s profile is “highly appreciated” by decision-makers at the Stadium of Light, as the team continues to evaluate high-level attacking recruits following promotion to the top division via the play-offs.
Mikautadze had a successful 2023-24 season, scoring 13 goals in 20 Ligue 1 games for Metz after returning on loan from Lyon in January. He also scored three goals for Georgia at Euro 2024, demonstrating his finishing skill, poise, and sense for space, attributes that Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris is said to admire strongly. However, the Black Cats are not alone in their quest. Italian powerhouse AS Roma is also allegedly interested, and the star is likely to carefully examine his options in the coming weeks.
The 100-goal striker, who has been linked with deals between £17 million to £21 million, would be a major investment for Sunderland. However, with new head of football Florent Ghisolfi ready to capitalise on strategic chances, particularly with Lyon’s financial difficulties perhaps decreasing the asking price, this is a situation to monitor attentively.
For the time being, it is a waiting game, but there is genuine interest. Sunderland’s desire to add potency in the final third is no secret, and Mikautadze, with his European pedigree and clinical streak, may be a transformative option if a deal is reached.
Talbi deal closes as £19.5m winger takes tests.
Sunderland are also closing closure on a deal for Club Brugge winger Chemsedine Talbi. The 20-year-old Belgian landed in the North East earlier this week for his medical, with a total package agreed upon at around £19.5 million.
Talbi is anticipated to become the club’s fifth senior addition this summer, joining Enzo Le Fée, Noah Sadiki, and Habib Diarra. He scored seven goals and five assists in 44 games last season and is regarded as one of Belgium’s most promising young players.
Ekwah’s exit is almost complete, and Sunderland will benefit financially.
Pierre Ekwah is on the verge of leaving Sunderland permanently, with Ligue 2 side AS Saint-Étienne finalising his loan deal. As previously revealed by The Echo, Sunderland negotiated a seven-figure loan fee last summer, and are now expected to earn a further boost from the permanent cost, which is thought to be in the region of £6 million.
However, a portion of that will be owing to West Ham United due to a sell-on provision included in the original agreement. A minor administrative issue is thought to be delaying the official announcement; nonetheless, Ekwah has not returned to Wearside for pre-season and is anticipated to be introduced shortly by Saint-Étienne.
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