The hints over Florent Ghisolfi's Sunderland summer transfer plans and what to expect | OneFootball

Sunderland are still awaiting their first summer signing, with Florent Ghisolfi driving a targeted rebuild focused on quality over quantity.

They start pre-season light at full-back after Dennis Cirkin left on a free and Lutsharel Geertruida’s loan ended. Per Sunderland Echo, Sunderland remain keen to sign Geertruida permanently, but a new fee is needed and the player may take time to decide after the World Cup. Trai Hume offers cover, but one more is needed and interest in Óscar Mingueza ended with his Crystal Palace move.

Omar Alderete was a bargain mainstay, but his workload showed the need for another centre-back. Luke O’Nien adds depth, and after last summer’s failed chase of Jhon Lucumí, a long-term addition is again targeted. Lucumí is mentioned, while Sassuolo’s Tarik Muharemović and Parma’s Mariano Troilo, both 23, fit the brief.

Out wide, the preference is for two natural wingers after Bertrand Traoré’s exit. There is interest in Matías Soulé, whom Ghisolfi initially took to AS Roma. Soulé is strong one-v-one, as Régis Le Bris wants, and can play infield.

Signing Soulé would require a significant fee, underlining raised stakes this summer. The plan is fewer, higher-calibre arrivals, with major outlay, so patience is needed to land the right targets at the right price.

Eliezer Mayenda’s sale to Stade Rennais could prompt search for cover up front, potentially a right-sided forward to act as a second striker. If interest in Wilson Isidor advances, though there are no indications yet, Sunderland would need to return to the market.

Source: Sunderland Echo