Sunderland are reportedly considering a January move for Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, with manager Regis Le Bris confirming he still has a personal connection with the French player. Le Bris coached Guendouzi at FC Lorient’s youth and reserve teams, as reported by Fabrizio Romano via his official X account.
He said:
Sunderland manager Le Bris doesn’t close doors to Mattéo Guendouzi as January signing: We still have connections with players and Matteo is one of those players. I worked with him previously in Lorient so we stay connected.
The two have kept in touch over the years, which has intensified speculation about a possible reunion at the Stadium of Light, as reported by Softfootball. Sunderland’s remarkable rebuild after relegation has shown the club is serious about improvement.
Guendouzi would bring valuable Premier League experience from his time at Arsenal, where he made over 50 appearances between. His versatility in central midfield and aggressive style fit well with the physical demands of English football, making him an attractive option for Sunderland. Le Bris’ familiarity with him could be a key factor, as he knows exactly what Guendouzi brings to a squad.
Sunderland have enjoyed a fine, impressive start to the season, maintaining strong form in the Premier League. Including their recent 2-2 draw with Arsenal, where Brobbey scored a late goal to secure a point for the team, helped keep them in the top four of the Premier League table, as reported by Softfootball.
No official offer has been made yet, but the speculation alone is noteworthy. Should Guendouzi join, he would not only strengthen the midfield but also reflect how Le Bris’ past experiences at Lorient continue to influence his strategy. Sunderland’s January plans might hinge on this reunion, blending tactical reinforcement with a personal connection that Le Bris clearly values.
