I doubt Caen are in an a position to hardball us, given half of Ligue 1 are concerned about bankruptcy and Bordeaux, the biggest club in Ligue 2 by an absolute universe are on the brink. If we want the lad, and that quote is fantastic to see, we will get him.
The only thing is, they’ve just got 5m euros from Burnley which is relatively big money for them so it buys them some leverage and means they can afford to hold out, at least for the duration of the window until a team meets their valuation
Considering most french outlets are saying it’s pretty much done then I think he’ll be here by the middle to end of next week, subject to us agreeing a fee. The whole not imminent thing from Phil Smith is probably correct as there’s still a deal to negotiate but doesn’t mean it won’t happen.
Does that just keep the lights on though? Costs more than that to keep a club afloat. Could be that Ligue 2 clubs less reliant on TV deal of course similar to England, just looking at the Bordeaux scenario and speculating a wee bit. Edit: Quick Google and read of the interview with Bordeaux president suggests they need to show £40million in cash flow to be allowed into Ligue 2, as it stands they will be in amateur leagues, or gone. Second search however on Caen owners shows they owned by a £200billion investment firm who also own Inter Milan. So he won’t be given away
I can imagine what’s happened is Phil Smith has half read what the French guy reported and wandered over to Speakman (it was during the game) and incorrectly asked “reports in France say a deal with Mendy is imminent, any comment?”. And Speakman has quite rightly said “no it’s not imminent, he’s one of a number of options”. I read absolutely nothing into it. Everything adds up and nothing is conflicting. The only person who’s suggested a deal would be imminent is Smith in his denial of its imminence. Nobody else has said it’s imminent.
See my only thing is. He literally put every single interested club off with his whole making a decision saga over the past 2 days. foot mercato reported he would make his decision and then later reported his decision. To me that wipes all the other clubs out. You only do that if you’re very confident of a move surely
https://www.wearesunderland.com/news/24465036.sunderlands-stance-sm-caen-striker-alexandre-mendy/ Despite those reports, however, sources in Spain have denied suggestions a deal to bring Mendy to the Stadium of Light is close, with the 30-year-old only a player of interest at this stage. Mendy still has two-years remaining on his contract with Caen which means Sunderland will need to come up with a financial package to suit the Ligue 2 side if they are to extend their interest in the 30-Year-old.
You get the sense we’re not far from getting a striker in either way. My preference is one solid starter, one decent loan in and get Hemir and Mayenda at least half a season of competitive British men’s football elsewhere.
@NicoSchira #Lazio are interested in Jobe #Bellingham (born in 2005). Opened talks with #Sunderland. #transfers
