Sunderland linked with ambitious double transfer deal as Kristjaan Speakman makes £30m announcement…

Sunderland is rumored to be pursuing an ambitious double transfer deal as Kristjaan Speakman announces a £30m initiative.

The club is intensifying its transfer efforts, eyeing a Ligue 1 striker and a Chelsea defender as potential additions.

As Sunderland prepares for its return to the Premier League, the team remains active in the transfer market, focusing on enhancing both defensive strength and offensive capabilities.

One of the latest prospects is Chelsea defender Ishe Samuels-Smith, with Sunderland reportedly among several clubs interested in securing the 19-year-old on loan.

Rangers, Middlesbrough, and Stoke City are also in contention, but Sunderland’s Premier League status may provide a significant edge.

Samuels-Smith is highly regarded at Stamford Bridge and recently signed a long-term contract in April, which keeps him at Chelsea until 2031.

The club is thought to be amenable to a loan move to facilitate his development into the first team, with interest growing from clubs in both the Championship and the Premier League.

The young player, capable of playing as a left-back or centre-back, is recognized for his poise on the ball and physicality, which could provide essential support and competition within Régis Le Bris’ defensive framework.

Georges Mikautadze is also heavily linked with a move to Sunderland.

In parallel, Sunderland is actively pursuing a transfer for Georges Mikautadze, with new reports from Europe indicating that the club has made substantial contact regarding a potential deal.

The striker, who excelled at Metz before returning to his parent club Lyon, is garnering interest from various teams, but Sunderland is determined to secure his signature.

Reports from France and Italy suggest that the Black Cats consider Mikautadze a key target and are prepared to meet Lyon’s asking price.

The 23-year-old Georgian international had a strong scoring record in Ligue 1 last season and is viewed as a player who could have an immediate impact in the Premier League.

Sunderland’s position is bolstered by the financial support of Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, whose family wealth enables the club to stay competitive in the market.

With a long-term strategy aimed at stability and growth in the top tier, the Black Cats are striving to assemble a squad that not only survives but flourishes.

Mikautadze is also drawing interest from Eintracht Frankfurt, Juventus, and clubs in Turkey and Saudi Arabia, but the presence of Régis Le Bris is viewed as a potential advantage for Sunderland.

The French head coach has already played a significant role in this summer’s recruitment efforts and could assist in convincing the striker to opt for Wearside over competing options.

Sunderland finalize Habib Diarra deal.

In other developments, Sunderland have announced the signing of RC Strasbourg captain Habib Diarra.

The agreement is thought to comfortably set a club record, potentially reaching around £30 million. Sunderland’s sporting director Kristjaan Speakman stated that the deal signifies the club’s ‘progress and ambition’ as they make their return to the Premier League after an eight-year hiatus.

Diarra, 21, is a Senegal international who will bring versatility and energy to Sunderland’s midfield options for the upcoming season.

He has signed a five-year contract on Wearside. “Habib is an exciting talent, and we are thrilled to welcome him to Sunderland AFC,” Speakman remarked.