The Black Cats are still looking to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season.
Sunderland have still made just the two signings so far this season, with Simon Moore and Alan Browne arriving on Wearside.
The Black Cats have had the positive update of star player Jobe Bellingham verbally committing his future to Sunderland ahead of the 2024/25 Championship campaign, despite Premier League interest emerging from Crystal Palace.
Bellingham played the majority of the 2023/24 season at striker as a result of Sunderland’s attacking options looking very limited, with both Luis Hemir and Nazariy Rusyn being unable to make a significant impact at the Stadium of Light.
However, it is likely that Regis Le Bris will be keen to play Bellingham in his natural midfield role, and as a result, bring in extra attacking depth.
The addition of a striker remains a priority for Kristjaan Speakman this summer, with him currently in ‘ongoing negotiations’ with an attacker.
Sunderland in ‘ongoing negotiations’ with Caen striker Alexandre Mendy
Sunderland are reportedly in ‘ongoing negotiations’ with French striker Alexandre Mendy from Caen, per Josue Casse on X.
The Black Cats made an initial €1million (£0.84million) bid for the striker that was rejected, however they still remain in talks over a deal for the Frenchman.
Mendy finished as the Ligue 2 Golden Boot winner in the 2023/24 season, scoring 22 goals in the league, however his side were unable to achieve promotion after finishing 6th in the table.
The striker also has experience in Ligue 1, having tallied 14 goals in 92 appearances in the French top division.
Will Alexandre Mendy have a guarantee of goals at Championship level
Ahead of the 2023/24 Championship season, Sunderland made the risk of signing attacking talent from overseas, one which in truth didn’t work out well for the Black Cats.
Like Hemir and Rusyn, Speakman looks to be making a gamble with bringing in Mendy, with the striker having never played in England.
Although Ligue 2 won’t quite be up to the standard of the Championship, Mendy has proven to be a consistent goalscorer at that level and has experience in France’s top two leagues, something that will be highly beneficial.
Le Bris will also be crucial in getting the best out of the Frenchman, with the Sunderland manager likely to be very familiar with the striker and his strengths.
As a built and physical presence up top, he will work well with Jack Clarke on the wing sending crosses into him, as well as having a sufficient ability to run in from behind.
He clearly has the technical and physical abilities to compete at a high level, something that should give him the tools to be clinical in the Championship.