Sunderland transfer target Alexandre Mendy has now released a statement on his Caen future.
Sunderland under new boss Regis Le Bris are once again in the transfer market for a new striker.
Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has already outlined his wishes to sign a new striker this summer and the Black Cats have been linked with several.
Sunderland looked at Zan Vipotnik earlier in the summer, but the Slovenian intentional has recently signed for Championship rivals Swansea City.
Sunderland are also interested in Ike Ugbo. The Canadian international impressed on loan at Sheffield Wednesday last season and the Black Cats are now pushing to sign the 25-year-old, along with Wednesday.
It comes after difficulties in the race to sign Alexandre Mendy at Caen.
Sunderland have been working on a deal for Mendy following his 22-goal haul in Ligue 2 last season.
But it appears as though Sunderland and Caen are apart in their valuations of the 30-year-old; it’s said that Sunderland have bid less than seven figures, whereas Caen are thought to be wanting a fee closer to the £4million mark.
Sunderland transfer target Alexandre Mendy releases statement on Caen future
Speaking to French outlet Foot Mercato, Mendy has now released a lengthy statement on his future at Caen, amid links to the Stadium of Light.
Mendy has said: “I read a lot of things but I have always respected the institution.
“If I am not in training, it is in agreement with Olivier Pickeu and Pierre-Antoine Capton. I do not want to engage in a power struggle with the club but, today, I am very affected by this situation, I do not understand, I feel wronged and betrayed.
“My decision was made since January and since June my destination is known. I am waiting for my departure, new investors have arrived, I am at their entire disposal. My advisor continues to do his job, I let him do it, I have complete confidence in him.
“Today in my mind I am no longer here because since my last match and my farewell to the Ornano stadium, I do not want to cheat my partners, the club, the supporters.
“There is no clash, I just count on the word and the commitments of my leaders and I have complete confidence in them. I repeat, I am at the disposal of the new management to explain my choice and I also take advantage of this moment to thank the supporters.
“Thank you sincerely for the love I received, especially during the communion with the fans on the last day, alongside my wife and children, it is a moment engraved for life.
“Now, it is impossible for me to refuse what I have sought through the strength of my work, it is the reward for my work, my investment and I hope that everyone will respect their commitments.”
Alexandre Mendy statement may worsen Sunderland transfer saga
Mendy’s statement is certainly an eye-opening one. But how to interpret it is difficult.
From the player’s point of view, it appears as though Caen are making his exit more difficult than it needs to be.
Sunderland are clearly keen and Mendy is clearly keen too.
But Caen aren’t letting go of their star striker too easily, and rightly so; they have a valuable asset on their hands and they’ll want to get the best deal for the club.
Mendy then is stuck between two clubs who can’t seem to agree on a free; the latest Ugbo development too may suggest that Sunderland could be moving on from the Mendy pursuit.
After this statement though, Mendy surely doesn’t want to play for the club again.
Now it’s down to the French club to find a way to best navigate what’s becoming a sticky situation.