Sunderland coach confirms interest in Lazio midfielder Guendouzi | OneFootball

Matteo Guendouzi’s future at Lazio is suddenly wide open, with the French midfielder no longer considered untouchable after a difficult first half of the season. Once a guaranteed starter, the Frenchman has struggled for form, lost his place with France, and is now viewed as a potential sale if the right offer arrives.

Lazio would consider bids close to €30 million, though a January transfer remains unlikely. Selling a key midfielder mid-season would force a major reshaping of the squad, and January is traditionally a difficult window to execute complex deals.

ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: The referee Simone Sozza shows a red card to Matteo Guendouzi of SS Lazio during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico on September 21, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Silvia Lore/Getty Images)

Guendouzi, meanwhile, has one priority: regular playing time. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, he would only agree to a move guaranteeing a central role.

Sunderland coach confirms interest in Lazio star Guendouzi

In England, rumours have been circulating for months, particularly around Premier League surprise package Sunderland, newly promoted but having a strong start to the campaign.

Coach Régis Le Bris worked closely with Guendouzi at Lorient and has maintained a strong relationship with the player. When asked directly in his press conference, Le Bris didn’t hide the connection, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.

ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Matteo Guendouzi of SS Lazio compete for the ball with Jonathan David during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on October 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

“It’s too early to talk about the next transfer window. We still have contacts with some players – Matteo is one of them because I worked with him at Lorient,” he admitted. “We’re still in touch, but at the moment nothing is happening. It’s too early. We have a strong midfield, and we’ll see,” he added with a smile, appearing to leave the door open for a reunion.