Sunderland coach confirms interest in Lazio midfielder Guendouzi

Matteo Guendouzi’s future at Lazio is suddenly wide open, with the French midfielder no longer considered untouchable after a difficult first half of the season. Once a guaranteed starter, the Frenchman has struggled for form, lost his place with France, and is now viewed as a potential sale if the right offer arrives.

Lazio would consider bids close to €30 million, though a January transfer remains unlikely. Selling a key midfielder mid-season would force a major reshaping of the squad, and January is traditionally a difficult window to execute complex deals.

Guendouzi, meanwhile, has one priority: regular playing time. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, he would only agree to a move guaranteeing a central role.

In England, rumours have been circulating for months, particularly around Premier League surprise package Sunderland, newly promoted but having a strong start to the campaign.

Coach Régis Le Bris worked closely with Guendouzi at Lorient and has maintained a strong relationship with the player. When asked directly in his press conference, Le Bris didn’t hide the connection, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.

“It’s too early to talk about the next transfer window. We still have contacts with some players – Matteo is one of them because I worked with him at Lorient,” he admitted. “We’re still in touch, but at the moment nothing is happening. It’s too early. We have a strong midfield, and we’ll see,” he added with a smile, appearing to leave the door open for a reunion.