Sunderland striker ‘target’ Alexandre Mendy has ‘made his choice’ after multiple offers
French club Caen have reportedly turned down a bid from Sunderland for striker Alexandre Mendy – with the frontman expected to make a decision about his future.
Mendy has been following an individual training programme at Caen, while his teammates are away on a pre-season trip in Switzerland, as he’s expected to leave Stade Malherbe. The French club aren’t willing to sell on the cheap, though, with two years left on the 30-year-old’s contract.
According to French outlet Sport in Caen, Saudi club Al Riyadh made an initial offer of less than €500,000 euros for Mendy, which was rejected, while Sunderland submitted a bid said to be less than €1million. Foot Mercato journalist Josue Casse also reported on Thursday, ‘Tracked by Al-Riyadh, Al Ahly, Sampdoria and Sunderland, Alexandre Mendy has made his choice. The announcement of his decision is expected in the next 24 hours.’
Mendy scored 22 goals in 37 league appearances for Caen in Ligue 2, and netted 19 goals in the same division during the previous campaign. The striker joined Caen from Bordeaux in 2020 and has played in France his whole career after coming through the ranks at Nice.
When asked about Sunderland’s striker situation following his appointment, Black Cats boss Le Bris said: “Everyone can score goals. If the responsibility is only on the striker, then it is always going to be difficult. We know that this position is always very important for a team, and of course, the club, the organisation, is aware of this problem. We will see what happens. We are working on things. We have to keep things confidential, to be effective at the end, but we are working.”
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‘I didn’t want’ – Alan Browne quizzed on leaving Preston North End for Sunderland
Stepping out of his ‘comfort zone’ was the motivation behind Alan Browne’s move to Sunderland this summer.
The Irishman’s ten-and-a-half year stay at Preston North End came to an end, with Browne opting against signing a new contract at Deepdale. He put pen-to-paper on a three-year contract at the Stadium of Light, with Sunderland becoming the second club of Browne’s senior career.
As well as conversations with new manager Régis Le Bris, the chance to try something new – at one of the biggest clubs in England – greatly appealed to Browne. He has opened up on his switch to the Black Cats, with our sister-title the Sunderland Echo.
He said: “It was more the thought of the change that was the hard part, to be honest. All the what ifs. But, I’ve settled in from day one – really good people across the club, which just makes it that bit easier for me. I’d been at Preston for so long that I’d almost become part of the furniture, so it was a big decision and a big move – but one so far that I’m happy with.
“Ten years is a long time and while you’re settled, comfortable, I didn’t want it to become too easy. I’ve never taken the gamble of leaving. I’ve always been happy at Preston and so I’ve never ever really even batted an eyelid at any interest. I felt I needed to step out of my comfort zone, take on a new challenge and see if I can help get this team promoted.
“When you start anywhere, I think you want to get off to a good start and it’s the same here. I think when you’re at a club for so long, fans have this perception. I loved my time at Preston, and I think most of the fans liked me. But when things are going bad, the longer you’re there, the more blame you get.
