According to reporter Sebastien Denis, Sunderland’s summer transfer target Alan Virginius is set to leave LOSC Lille this winter.
Sunderland have not been afraid to look for new players in the European market in recent transfer windows. It’s a strategy that has served the Black Cats well this season, keeping them in contention for promotion from the Championship.
Because January isn’t far away, the Wearside outfit will most certainly be looking for new targets. Now, an intriguing update on a player Sunderland coveted in the summer has emerged: Alan Virginius.
It was reported in August that the club had a €5 million proposal turned down by Lille for the 20-year-old winger, but it now appears that the Frenchman is about to leave the Ligue 1 club.
Sebastien Denis, a reporter for X, stated that Virginius has changed representation and ‘is going’ in the winter. He stated:
🚨Alan Virginius change de représentant. C'est l'agence VV Consulting, géré par Vadim Vasyliev, qui s'occupe désormais de ses intérêts. L'attaquant international U20 🇫🇷 du LOSC est sur le départ du club nordiste cet hiver. pic.twitter.com/QyGQEK3Z51
— Sébastien Denis (@sebnonda) November 22, 2023
Back on the radar?
While there is no mention of Sunderland in Denis’ recent report, you have to believe the situation will spark their attention if they continue to admire Virginius ahead of this winter. His stated availability may alert potential bidders, so the Black Cats may need to act quickly.
It’s possible that this implies he’ll be available for less than the €5 million bid made for him in the summer, though only time will tell.
Virginius joined Lille from FC Sochaux in the summer of 2022. He had eight goals and four assists in 50 games for the former but has only scored once in 22 games for his current team.
This season’s action has been limited, which may have prompted the change in agency and likely winter departure.
Sunderland are sixth in the Championship table and play Plymouth Argyle this weekend.
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