Sunderland are now reportedly willing to obliterate their transfer record to sign an impressive Barcelona star for Regis Le Bris.
Le Bris delivers Sunderland transfer verdict
The Black Cats have been nothing short of remarkable since their return to the Premier League. Le Bris’ side aren’t just surviving, they are thriving in the top flight and could even find themselves in a shock race to secure European qualification by the time that May arrives.
It doesn’t look as though they’re going to simply rest on their laurels anytime soon, either. Recent reports have suggested that they could be active in the January transfer window, picking up where they left off in the summer.
Names such as Artem Dovbyk have been name-dropped in recent weeks and that’s the calibre of player that Sunderland are chasing these days.
At his best, the forward scored 17 goals in all competitions for AS Roma last season and whilst his momentum has been halted by new manager Gian Piero Gasperini, Sunderland could get him back to his best.
Having his own say on the potential of January arrivals, Le Bris recently told reporters: “This market is a bit different.
“In the summer, I think the market is really open and it’s tough because the competition is high but in the winter, it’s a bit different because some of the players who’ve had less game time want to move but it means they are not in good form. So is it obvious they will click quickly with us?”
Based on the manager’s words, it would take a special player for Sunderland to go all out this month. But Fermin Lopez is exactly that.
Sunderland ready to smash transfer record to sign Fermin Lopez
According to reports in Spain, Sunderland are now ready to smash their transfer record to sign Lopez from Barcelona in a deal worth around €80m (£70m).
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It would be a sensational move from the Black Cats. Lopez would be their biggest-ever signing, both financially and in stature, obliterating their transfer record set by Habib Diarra’s £27m move in the summer.
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Barcelona are reportedly considering the economic benefit of selling their attacking midfielder, but it remains to be seen whether they decide to pull the trigger on his exit.
It’s easy to see why Sunderland are willing to spend so big on Lopez. Talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed the midfielder “amazing” last season and the Spaniard has since scored seven goals and created six more in just 19 appearances in the current campaign. He would absolutely transform the Black Cats.