Armand Laurienté Set to Join Sunderland for €20 Million

Sunderland have agreed to sign French winger Armand Laurienté from Sassuolo. The deal is set for a €20 million fee. Personal terms are also settled for Laurienté. The highly-rated attacker is expected to strengthen Sunderland’s squad as they prepare for their return to Premier League football.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The 26-year-old French winger is set to reunite with Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris. Laurienté has also worked with sporting director Florent Ghisolfi during his Lorient days. He arrives in England after a standout season at Sassuolo, scoring 18 goals and providing five assists in Serie B. His performances earned him the prestigious Serie B Player of the Year award and helped Sassuolo secure promotion back to Serie A, as reported earlier. Sunderland have been very quick with their negotiation given their long-standing interest in the winger and it is believed that Laurienté is also keen on the move to test himself in the Premier League.

SUNDERLAND’S AMBITIOUS SUMMER AND SQUAD BUILDING

Laurienté’s arrival takes Sunderland’s summer spending to over £110 m as the Black Cats continue to strengthen their squad with an eye on avoiding a relegation scramble and establishing themselves back in the Premier League. Sunderland mean business, and Laurienté’s direct attacking style and versatility suit their need. The club management have worked hard to attract top talent, and his relationship with Le Bris has helped Sunderland fend off significant interest from other English clubs and sides across Europe to try and secure Laurienté. This ambition is echoed in their recent signings, including Simon Adingra.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: PREMIER LEAGUE RETURN AND SUNDERLAND KEY FIXTURES

There is plenty of new blood in this squad, but Sunderland will have to build on the momentum of their promotion and their busy summer transfer window when the 2025-26 Premier League action commences next month. They begin with an opening-day clash against West Ham, who finished mid-table last season, with the fixture at Stadium of Light. Sunderland will have to gel quickly to climb up the table and away from the relegation zone – their transfer spending hints at ambitions to compete with mid-table sides and secure Premier League safety comfortably. This marks their return to the Premier League after an eight-year absence.