Sunderland are looking to sign a centre-forward this summer and have been eyeing up an experienced frontman in the second tier of France, according to reports.
One area that the Black Cats struggled the most last season was in the final third. Former Leeds United attacker Jack Clarke ended the campaign as the club’s top goalscorer after bagging 15 goals and recording four assists in all competitions. The Englishman was directly responsible for 38.8% of his side’s goals last term as the club finished just seven points above the relegation zone.
Nevertheless, after the Wearside outfit’s struggles in 2023/24, there is a possibility that Clarke will leave the Stadium of Light this summer. Clubs in the Premier League, including newly-promoted side Southampton, have been linked with the 23-year-old in recent weeks.
Furthermore, Nazariy Rusyn was the highest-scoring striker at Sunderland in the previous campaign but he found the net just twice. Clarke took a large brunt of the goalscoring burden on his shoulders last season which won’t be easily replicable should he walk away before the end of August.
As a result, the Black Cats have been working behind the scenes to sign a much-needed striker which is a key priority for the board in this transfer market. One player who looks to be on his way to the Northeast of England is SM Caen centre-forward Alexandre Mendy.
It was revealed over the weekend by French outlet Foot Mercato that Mendy has agreed to move to Sunderland but a number of clubs abroad have also been interested in acquiring the 30-year-old’s services, including Al-Riyadh and Sampdoria, while Egyptian outfit Al-Ahly submitted a bid worth £840,000 to his current side.
Mendy himself recently commented on the deal, admitting that the Stadium of Light was his next destination and that he would fly over for his medical in due course.
“When Sunderland arrived, there was no more debate. I could have gone into exile in Saudi Arabia with the idea of a golden retirement but I still have things to do in football.
“I’m really looking forward to my medical to go to England with my wife and children and to discover this stadium, these fans and this magnificent atmosphere.”
Speaking in an interview with Football League World, French football expert Luke Entwistle compared Mendy to former Sunderland star Jermaine Defoe, which may be music to the ears of many supporters.
“He’s maybe your Jermain Defoe type. He’s played for numerous clubs. He’s got a decent record wherever he’s gone. He keeps moving around, but he got 22 goals last season. Ligue 2 is a difficult league to score goals in, so to get 22 goals in Ligue 2 is a significant amount.”
Writer’s View
Mendy is a player who has blossomed out of the blue. Throughout his professional playing career so far, the Guinea-Bissau international scored 101 goals in 291 appearances in all competitions at club level, but 60 of these have come over the past three seasons.
He has been a prolific centre-forward in the second tier of France in recent years and perhaps Sunderland feel as though his style of play would translate well to the Championship, particularly given the similarities in physicality between English and French football. Furthermore, Regis Le Bris will be his manager, someone he would know from his time in France, which may be a driving force behind this deal.
Deputy Head of Writing
