Fabrizio Romano: Sunderland strike agreement for ‘unbelievable’ second signing, medical could take place tomorrow

Luis Hemir, Jewison Bennette and Jay Matete are with Sunderland’s U21s this afternoon in an indication that they may not be part of Regis Le Bris’ plans for the upcoming campaign.

All three travelled with the group to Spain for the club’s pre-season training camp, with Hemir scoring a stunning winning goal in the second friendly against CD Eldense. All three face significant competition for places on Wearside in their respective positions, however, and their absence from Bloomfield Road suggests that a loan move might be the likely next step in the weeks ahead.

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Report: Sunderland fancy Slovenian international striker as Bordeaux go bust

Historic French side Bordeaux were declared bankrupt this week, which means they immediately lost their professional status and all contracts will be terminated.

With so many soon-to-be free agents on their books, Sunderland were quickly linked with a move for their star striker by the Slovenian press.

Planet Nogomet claims that there are a massive number of clubs interested in signing Zan Vipotnik but only name Sunderland specifically as being interested.

The 6’1 striker scored 10 goals in all competitions last season, as well as providing another four assists to his team-mates, and came on as a substitute in Euro 2024 for Slovenia in their group stage match against Serbia.

Slovenian sport outlet SportKlub also claim that Sunderland are interested in the 22-year-old but say that there will be competition from the likes of Hadjuk Split, FC Twente and VfL Bochum.

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Regis Le Bris Sunderland squad decision could spell bad news for youngster

The youngster’s future at Sunderland remains a doubt after a turbulent 2023/24 campaign.

Sunderland’s pre-season campaign has shown extra emphasis on the players warming up to French boss Regis Le Bris‘ style of play this season.

The Black Cats’ 2023/24 campaign showed that relying on youngsters can be a double-edged sword, with there being an evident lack of leadership and experience plagued throughout the squad last season.

Various youngsters involved in the side last season will be doubts this season as Kristjaan Speakman looks to bring in Championship experience, as well as guaranteed goalscoring ability at this level.

Speakman’s transfer aims this summer have left doubt over one attacker who was unable to stamp his authority on the side, with it looking more evident that he won’t be part of Le Bris’ future plans after his recent decision.

Luis Hemir picked as part of Sunderland U21 squad for friendly

Portuguese striker Luis Hemir was absent from Le Bris side to take on League One outfit Blackpool in a pre-season friendly, per Roker Report on X, suggesting that the French boss has made a decision over the youngster.

Despite getting 23 appearances during the 2023/24 Championship season, most of which were off the bench, Hemir was unable to get a single league goal for Sunderland, therefore casting doubts over his ability to play at this level.

Hemir has shown goal scoring ability during pre-season after a thunderstrike to help Sunderland to a 2-1 victory against Eldense, however it was clearly not enough for Le Bris to consider him as a threat at Championship level.