Sunderland 'sounded out' over £50 million winger as Inter interest grows | OneFootball

Sunderland were sounded out over a possible January move for £50 million winger Moussa Diaby, but any deal always looked unlikely as Inter Milan firmed up interest.

According to TEAMtalk, intermediaries explored a mid-season return to England by offering Diaby to several Premier League clubs, with Sunderland contacted alongside Aston Villa, Tottenham, Crystal Palace and West Ham.

Diaby left Aston Villa for Al Ittihad in July 2024 for around £50 million, signing a five-year deal. The 26-year-old linked up with Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kanté in the Saudi Pro League.

For Sunderland, talks never progressed beyond an initial enquiry. The financial and tax costs of a swift return from Saudi Arabia proved a major hurdle, with players coming back inside two years facing heavy liabilities, a point highlighted by Ivan Toney’s situation.

Once that impact became clear, attention shifted towards Europe and Inter have since emerged as frontrunners. That effectively removed Sunderland, whose January planning never accommodated the structure or cost required for Diaby.

Elsewhere, Paris FC winger Ilan Kebbal has been on Sunderland’s radar, while Ipswich are preparing a sizeable bid for the 27-year-old as his situation is monitored by top-flight sides.

Sunderland are also tracking Lecce left-back Antonino Gallo after Arthur Masuaku’s departure earlier this window. The 26-year-old has impressed in Serie A since 2020, making 175 appearances with one goal and 10 assists.

Source: Sunderland Echo