According to reports from French media tonight, Sunderland are closing in on a club-record £17-million deal for FC Lorient midfielder Didier N’Dong.
The Black Cats have been desperate for midfield reinforcements this window after a series of injuries left Sunderland short. N’Dong, 22, would provide fresh blood to the squad, and is a raw talent. The Gabonese international has caught the eye of many European clubs this season after helping solidify Lorient’s midfield, but it is Sunderland who appear to have won the race for the youngster.
YouTube: Didier Ndong Ibrahim – FCLorient 2016
N’Dong provides a potential outlet for initiating counter-attacks, given his high rate of tackles and interceptions per game, and the further addition of a strong and more attacking midfielder could be the way forward for the Black Cats. N’Dong only joined Lorient last summer, and was a huge part of their side last season, scoring two goals in 46 games. Should N’Dong join Sunderland, then he will link up with former teammate Lamine Kone on Wearside.
Sunderland missed out on their primary target Vicente Iborra this morning but have moved swiftly to get N’Dong, and with only a single day left of the transfer window, you can expect the Black Cats to remain busy.
