Sunderland have been heavily linked with a move for Alexandre Mendy this summer.
It was reported earlier this week that Sunderland had made a bid to sign the Caen striker and were in negotiations with the French club over a deal.
Mendy looked set to leave the Ligue 2 club after finishing the 2023/24 season with 23 goals in all competitions, winning the league’s golden boot award.
The Black Cats were joined by Saudi Arabian outfit Al Riyadh in pushing to sign the forward, with Sunderland bidding under the €1m mark, while Al Riyadh had offered around half of that.
Despite Caen going onto reject Sunderland’s opening bid, reports in France yesterday claimed that Mendy had decided to move to Wearside and the two clubs were now looking on coming to an agreement.
While it was then made clear that a deal was far from done and the Black Cats were still looking at other targets, recent comments from Mendy himself make it apparent that he is very eager to move to the Championship.
Mendy is eager to work with ‘very strong’ Regis Le Bris
Speaking to Foot Mercato, the 30-year-old said: “At the time Sunderland arrived, there was no more debate. I could have gone into exile in Saudi Arabia with the idea of a golden retreat but I still have things to do in football and when Yace (his advisor) called me to tell me Sunderland, it’s as if I had blinders.
“It’s a sporting choice and I’m really looking forward to starting this new adventure. I know the club well, he told me about President Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, his values and convictions that are the ones I share. There is also coach Régis Le Bris, a very strong coach tactically, who can make me pass a milestone. It exudes serenity and natural strength.
“I also watched the three seasons of the documentary “Sunderland ‘Til I Die” (Sunderland against all, in VF). I am aware that it is a club that can bring me a lot.
“I am really looking forward to my medical examination to go to England with my wife and children and to discover this stadium, these fans and this magnificent atmosphere.”
The goal-scoring striker that Sunderland have been waiting for
While fans are aware that this deal might not yet cross the line, it is the news they have been waiting for, for a very long time.
Sunderland’s transfer policy has taken a dramatic turn after signing a number of teenagers last summer, with Mendy set to welcome his 31st birthday next season.
His age shouldn’t phase the Black Cats too much though, with photos of the Frenchman proving he is still in very good shape.
Footballers are able to play at a much older age now and the 6 ft striker still looks very capable of competing physically in the Championship.
The likes of Kieffer Moore, Jamie Vardy and Ashley Barnes have all shown you can still score goals in your 30s in the second tier, and if Mendy does join then he will be eager to follow in their footsteps.