Sunderland fans have been treated to a dream return to Premier League life after an eight-year exile that at times felt closer to a life sentence.
The Black Cats haven’t just survived their comeback – they’ve strutted into it. A huge part of that early success has been some seriously sharp recruitment, with 14 new arrivals through the door this summer and several of them looking like they’ve been here for years rather than five minutes.
They’ve already managed to pull off one eyebrow-raising coup by luring Granit Xhaka to Wearside, but it seems the ambition doesn’t stop there.
Now, Sunderland are being linked with another big name – this time, Real Madrid left-back Ferland Mendy.
Here, Transfer News Blitz writer Taylor Stephenson breaks down the rumours and asks the big question: is this inspired business, or just another shiny toy?
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THE OFFER
Reports emerging from Spain suggest Sunderland have lodged a £9 million bid for the 30-year-old defender.
Mendy has just 18 months left on his contract at the Bernabéu and, perhaps more alarmingly, has managed a grand total of one minute of LaLiga football this season – barely enough time to break a sweat, never mind make an impact.
Still, this sort of deal feels very on brand for Sunderland lately. The signings of Granit Xhaka and Nordi Mukiele raised eyebrows at first, but both have gone on to become standout performers – not just on Wearside, but across the Premier League.
If this is another case of “trust the process”, history suggests fans might want to listen.
DOES IT MAKE SENSE?
In short: yes… but also no. Helpful, I know.
On one hand, you’re getting a proven, high-quality footballer at a cut price – one with Champions League pedigree and enough experience to fill a dressing room twice over.
In a young Sunderland squad, that sort of know-how is invaluable. Just look at the calming, commanding influence Xhaka has had since arriving.
On the other hand, left-back is hardly an area of crisis.
Reinildo has been rock solid since joining in the summer, while Dennis Cirkin has shown he’s more than capable of deputising – as proven during Reinildo’s AFCON absence.
Then there’s the “Swiss Army knife” brigade. Trai Hume and Lutsharel Geertruida have both slotted in at left-back when required and done a perfectly respectable job.
Which brings us to the uncomfortable question: how necessary is this signing, really?
MY VERDICT
Personally, I’d rather see the money spent further up the pitch.
Sunderland have been defensively sound all season – organised, disciplined and difficult to break down.
Unfortunately, going the other way, they’ve sometimes looked about as threatening as a damp sparkler.
And no, I don’t think simply signing a centre-forward fixes that. After all, what’s the point of a striker if the ball never makes it to him?
I won’t completely write off the current group of wide players, but it’s fair to say they haven’t exactly set the league alight. For me, that’s where the real problem – and opportunity – lies.
So, to sum it up: Ferland Mendy is a top player and would undoubtedly improve the squad. But he’s not a priority.
If this move prevents Sunderland from addressing their issues in the final third, then I’d steer clear, even if the name looks very nice on the team sheet.
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