Welcome to Last Word on Football’s Sunderland round-up for Tuesday, July 16th. Today, Black Cats fans desperate to see a goalscorer arrive this summer will be delighted to hear that an offer has been submitted for an experienced striker according to reports.
There is also the latest on Dan Ballard’s injury and his link to French club RC Lens. Plus, Serie A side Udinese have contacted Sunderland regarding Pierre Ekwah.
Also, the club have announced that they will play a friendly against former Champions League winners Olympique Marseille.
Read More: How Sunderland’s Former Foreign Managers Have Fared
Sunderland Round-Up: Offer Submitted for Experienced Striker
Offer Submitted for French Striker
According to French outlet Foot Mercato and the Sunderland Echo, the Black Cats have submitted an offer for Caen striker Alexandre Mendy. The 30-year-old scored 22 goals last season as Caen narrowly missed out on the playoffs.
Saudi Arabian side Al-Riyadh SC are also interested with the striker advising he would like his future sorted as soon as possible. Before Caen’s last match of the season he said: “I am focusing first on the last match, but after that, it is certain that if I were to leave, I would like to be in good conditions straight away and arrive early enough to prepare my family and adapt to the new environment that is offered to me.”
Pierre Ekwah Wanted by Serie A Side
According to Fabrizio Romano, Serie A side Udinese want midfielder Pierre Ekwah. The 22-year-old, who joined Sunderland in January 2023 is believed to be high on Udinese’s transfer wishlist.
Ekwah still has three years left on his current contract and Sunderland are under no pressure to sell and are in a strong negotiating position. His former club West Ham United are entitled to a sell-on fee therefore any asking price would have this in consideration.
Olympique Marseille Friendly
Sunderland have announced that they play French giants Olympique Marseille in their final preseason game. Due to renovations happening at the Stadium of Light, the game will be played at Bradford City’s Valley Parade on Saturday 3rd August.
The game will be dedicated to Robert Louis-Dreyfus who was a major shareholder at Marseille from 1996 to 2009. He is also the father of Sunderland’s Chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.
Sunderland Round-Up: Dan Ballard Injured and Attracting Interest
Defender Dan Ballard has been ruled out of action for up to six weeks. The 24-year-old sustained a minor knee injury in Saturday’s friendly at South Shields and is set to miss the start of the new season.
According to the Sunderland Echo, RC Lens, managed by Will Still who almost became Sunderland’s new head coach earlier this summer are believed to have made Ballard their top transfer target.
£20million-rated Ballard has three years left on his current contract.
