‘Deal Off’ – Sunderland Pull Out of the Deal to Sign £17.5m Forward | OneFootball

Lauriente Deal Collapses as Sunderland Step Away from Transfer

Late Collapse in Portugal Ends Lauriente Chase

Armand Laurienté’s proposed move to Sunderland has collapsed at the final hurdle. As reported by Sky Sports, “After failing to reach a full agreement with all parties, the Black Cats have made the decision to end discussions over the France U21 international.”

The winger had travelled to Portugal to link up with the Sunderland squad during their pre-season preparations, suggesting a deal was nearing its conclusion. Instead, a sudden breakdown in negotiations has brought the transfer to an abrupt halt. Laurienté will now return to Serie A side Sassuolo, where he remains under contract.

This late twist, as outlined by Sky Sports News’ Keith Downie, brings an end to a move that had promised to inject creativity and European experience into Sunderland’s promotion-chasing side. It also raises fresh questions about the club’s ability to close deals in a competitive market.

Photo: IMAGO

Opportunity Missed in Final Third

Laurienté, who has previously represented France at Under-21 level, would have brought direct pace and flair to Sunderland’s wide areas. The 25-year-old has been a bright spark for Sassuolo in recent seasons, capable of creating chances and unsettling defences in tight spaces.

His anticipated arrival in the Championship was viewed as a statement by Sunderland’s recruitment team. Instead, the move unravelled despite both player and club showing early enthusiasm. With pre-season ticking on and the new campaign approaching, timing was critical. The club’s decision to walk away now signals a desire to protect both budget and dressing-room stability.

Tactical Ambitions and Recruitment Balance

Under new head coach Régis Le Bris, Sunderland are expected to push for a play-off place, if not automatic promotion. For that, attacking depth is essential. Laurienté was seen as a player who could slot into the system, offering versatility on either flank or in a more central creative role.

However, the collapse of the move also shows Sunderland’s unwillingness to compromise on final terms. Whether it was contractual detail, financial structuring or personal terms that led to the breakdown, the club’s response has been decisive. In the words of Sky Sports, “the Black Cats have made the decision to end discussions.”

Photo: IMAGO

Next Steps in the Transfer Window

With Laurienté off the table, attention now turns to alternative targets. Sunderland’s recruitment staff face a tight window to find comparable quality. The priority remains strengthening in forward areas without disrupting squad harmony or overextending financially.

The club’s ambitions are clear. The Championship is notoriously unforgiving and teams that fail to convert chances often drift in the mid-table shadows. The challenge now is finding a player who can bring the spark Laurienté offered on paper, but who fits seamlessly into the project taking shape on Wearside.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Sunderland fans, the collapse of the Laurienté deal feels frustrating, especially given how far it had progressed. When a player travels to join the squad and links up in pre-season, supporters naturally expect the deal to cross the line. Instead, it’s another case of what might have been.

That said, many fans will also welcome the club’s firm stance. There’s been a shift in recent years at Sunderland, away from overpaying or bending to late demands, and towards sustainable, smart recruitment. If something didn’t feel right behind the scenes with this deal, then pulling out is the right decision.

Laurienté would have added pace, unpredictability and flair to a side that can look overly structured at times. Losing out on him now means pressure on the recruitment team to act quickly, but it also avoids getting tied into a transfer that lacks complete buy-in from all parties.

Ultimately, Sunderland need players who want to be here and who align with the vision. If Laurienté’s heart or terms were elsewhere, the club were right to end it now rather than deal with potential regret later. Eyes forward, and on to the next option.