Two days ago, Media Foot reported Sunderland have initiated contact to sign FC Nantes’ Matthis Abline in the winter market.
A fresh report from the same outlet covers the same, and explains the Black Cats haven’t made an offer yet for Abline. He isn’t the only striker on Sunderland’s list.
The Premier League side are looking for a striker capable of scoring 15-20 goals per season and are particularly focusing on the French market.
According to Media Foot, Sunderland have identified AS Saint-Étienne’s Lucas Stassin as another target for their second Premier League campaign.
Last season, he managed 14 goals and eight assists for Saint-Étienne, who were then in Ligue 1. He has four goals and three assists from 15 Ligue 2 matches this season.
The 21-year-old’s profile appeals to Régis Le Bris and therefore, Sunderland are preparing to make a move for him.
Sunderland should be able to agree deal
Media Foot states English club tried to sign the Belgian before he joined the French club from KVC Westerlo in August 2024. Sunderland reportedly proposed €6m, which is €4m short of what Saint-Étienne offered in the end.
Stassin wants to change clubs, but his side have no intention of selling him in January. That’s understandable given they’re fourth in Ligue 2 and have a promotion shot.
Le Bris’ side are aware of this and are planning to sign him in the summer. Whether Saint-Étienne are promoted or not to Ligue 1, Sunderland will have the finances to be able to please both the player and club.
There’s confidence Saint-Étienne will sell him for around €20m ‘without any problem’. That amount is well within the Premier League club’s budget
Stassin is a target Le Bris shouldn’t have too much trouble securing. There’s always the chance Sunderland could agree a deal ahead of the summer to avoid competition from elsewhere.
