Sunderland are targeting a move for a young French midfielder amid uncertainty surrounding Adil Aouchiche’s future.
Sunderland are continuing to monitor various transfer targets ahead of the 2024/25 Championship campaign.
Kristjaan Speakman has brought in three new arrivals so far, with the experienced goalkeeper Simon Moore being the first through the doors at the Stadium of Light, followed by former Preston North End captain Alan Browne.
Sunderland managed to beat Sheffield Wednesday to their third signing of the summer, with Ian Poveda arriving following his release from Leeds United.
A striker remains of utmost importance and priority to add to Regis Le Bris’ side, with squad depth being incredibly lacklustre at this moment, with Ligue 2 forward Alexandre Mendy heavily linked with a move to the Black Cats.
Mendy isn’t the only player that Sunderland are looking to pursue from France, with reports suggesting that they are interested in bringing a midfielder from Ligue 2 to the club ahead of the start of the Championship season.
Sunderland show interest in French midfielder Enzo Bardeli
The Black Cats are reportedly looking to bolster their midfield options ahead of the new campaign, with Le Bris’ side reportedly interested in making a move for USL Dunkerque midfielder Enzo Bardeli, per FootMercato.
The Sunderland target has reportedly been ‘observed’ by several European clubs over the last few months, with ‘Valladolid, Lecce, Metz, Alkmaar, Atlanta, a German club and a Ligue 1 club’ joining the Black Cats in the pursuit for the attacking-midfielder.
Bardeli played a crucial role for USL Dunkerque in the 2023/24 Ligue 2 campaign in clawing the French outfit to survival with his eight goal contributions from 38 matches in midfield.
How would Enzo Bardeli slot into Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland team
Although on the surface Bardeli doesn’t seem like a world-beater that will significantly improve Sunderland, he will certainly provide extra depth and cover in the attacking-midfield slot, particularly if Adil Aouchiche moves on amid uncertainty surrounding his future.
There will also be a lot depending on whether Jobe Bellingham will once again be utilised in his slightly less familiar striker position, or move back to midfield.
If Bellingham slots in at attacking-midfield, Bardeli can play slightly further back if necessary, however there will be less chance of Le Bris being able to unlock the creativity in the Frenchman’s game.
Whether he starts or not, Bardeli should bring a brilliant awareness and ability in playmaking to the Sunderland side and will make a significant impact in Le Bris’ style of looking to play direct, especially with his passing range.
The likes of Bardeli are untested at Championship level, however Le Bris’ understanding of the French leagues should give assurance that he has targeted a brilliant talent hidden in Ligue 2.