Sunderland ‘Actively Working’ On Raid On Regis Le Bris’ Former Club | OneFootball

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Sunderland are among the clubs ‘actively working’ on a move to sign Ghana international defender Nathaniel Adjei, who is on the books at Regis Le Bris’ former club, this summer.

Le Bris’ side have yet to truly unleash their spending power, with Thomas Meunier’s arrival on a free transfer standing as their only acquisition of the window so far.

The Black Cats are also engaged in discussions over Sporting Lisbon wide-man Geny Catamo, who has been linked with Liverpool, and any attempt to prise the winger away would require a sizeable outlay.

Another wide target is Roony Bardghji, who has also attracted interest from Leeds United, while Barcelona are seeking to include a buy-back clause in any agreement, something Premier League clubs have been reluctant to entertain.

As for their defensive recruitment, Dayann Methalie is keen for a switch to the Stadium of Light to happen despite attracting interest from elsewhere, while Toulouse’s valuation continues to represent the principal barrier to any breakthrough.

Adjei is the latest defensive name to enter Sunderland’s thinking, with the Black Cats ‘actively working’ on a potential move for the Ghana centre-back alongside Hull City, Strasbourg and FC Copenhagen, according to Footy-Africa.

He is on the books at Le Bris’ former side Lorient, meaning the Sunderland boss is likely to have had no shortage of people at the French side to sound out about him.

In an effort to gain an early foothold in the race, Hull City have already ‘made initial contact’ for the Ghana international, although discussions remain at an early stage.

The remaining suitors could also intensify their interest over the coming days as the pursuit gathers further traction.

The principal obstacle for the interested clubs, however, is Lorient’s determination to retain Adjei this summer after the centre-back caught the eye throughout pre-season, with head coach Alexandre Dujeux viewing him as a key figure within his long-term plans.

Should the Black Cats decide to press the accelerator on their pursuit, they could receive encouragement as Adjei is ‘open to a new challenge’ provided the sporting project aligns with his ambitions.

Le Bris’ side can offer Europa League football to tempt Adjei to make the move to the Stadium of Light.

The 23-year-old initially arrived at Lorient on loan in 2023 before the move was converted into a permanent transfer the following season, while also Rangers also chased the defender before that switch was finalised two years ago.

Adjei also attracted admirers from Spain earlier in the window, although those links have since cooled, leaving Sunderland still needing to fend off the remaining interested clubs to secure the defender.