Sunderland confirm Traoré talks as £47.3m Kyril Louis-Dreyfus transfer outlay revealed | OneFootball

According to Sunderland Echo, Sunderland approach Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby with contract talks under way over Bertrand Traoré and fresh accounts setting out major transfer commitments. Head coach Régis Le Bris has confirmed discussions, while the club list £47,346,348 in fees since the accounting window closed.

Traoré joined from Ajax on deadline day last summer on an initial one-year deal, with an option for a further season. He became central to Le Bris’s attack before injury struck around the Africa Cup of Nations, then recurred at Elland Road earlier this month. He is expected to be out for about another month, though Sunderland hope he can feature late on.

Le Bris says it is still early and that Traoré has spoken with sporting director Florent Ghisolfi, with no decision yet.

The 2024-25 accounts show an operating loss of £1.1m after an improvement of about £7m year on year, with turnover up to £40.3m and gate receipts rising 14.3% to £13.3m. Player trading generated roughly £45m profit and staff costs exceeded £50m, driven largely by promotion bonuses. Close to £10m was invested in facilities, and post-period transfer commitments total £47,346,348.

Striker Wilson Isidor has confirmed he will represent Haiti, saying he reflected before accepting the call and is proud to do so. At Moreirense, Sunderland loanee Luís Hemir was an unused substitute at FC Porto and did not warm up, and A Bola reports this followed behaviour the club deemed inappropriate.

Away fans travelling to Sunday’s derby will be escorted by police from Newcastle Central Station to St James’ Park. The main escort leaves at 10.15am, with supporters urged to arrive in good time for the 12pm kick-off and to expect busy transport and queues.

Source: Sunderland Echo