The latest transfer saga involving Armand Lauriente has provided a twist in the tale, as the Sassuolo winger will not be making the anticipated move to Sunderland this summer. Initial reports had suggested that the French winger was set for a move to the English Premier League side, with negotiations between the two clubs seemingly going smoothly. However, the deal took an unexpected turn as it ultimately collapsed due to a disagreement over personal terms.
Lauriente, who had spent his entire career plying his trade in France and Italy, was eager for a new challenge in the highly competitive English league. Despite passing his medical and being on the brink of joining Sunderland, a last-minute hitch in contract negotiations put an end to the transfer, leaving both clubs and the player disappointed.
The news comes as a blow to Sunderland, who had been hoping to secure Lauriente as a marquee signing to bolster their squad ahead of their return to the top-flight. Regis Le Bris, the Black Cats’ manager, had identified Lauriente as the ideal candidate to add attacking flair to his team as they looked to make an impact in the Premier League.
While Sunderland had been willing to meet Sassuolo’s asking price for the 26-year-old winger, the breakdown in talks over salary terms led to the deal falling through. It is understood that Lauriente was all set to sign a lucrative five-year contract earning €2.5 million per year, but the disagreement between the player’s agent and the club proved to be a stumbling block that could not be overcome.
Despite the setback, it is expected that interest in Lauriente will continue to grow, given his impressive performances for Sassuolo in the Serie B last season. Having played a pivotal role in helping his team secure promotion and winning the Golden Boot award for his goal-scoring exploits, it is clear that Lauriente has caught the eye of several potential suitors.
As Lauriente looks to test himself at a higher level and fulfill his ambitions of playing in a more competitive league, it remains to be seen whether a move away from Sassuolo will materialize in the near future. While the winger may have missed out on the opportunity to join Sunderland this summer, there are sure to be plenty of other clubs interested in securing his signature as he seeks to take the next step in his career.
