Sunderland target Lucas Stassin has said he favors a summer move to Saint-Etienne because the Wearside switch seemed “risky”.
Sunderland have made a great start to the 2024/25 season, with four wins from four games to leave the Black Cats top of the international break.
However, as we entered the final days of the window, it looked like the Black Cats could miss out on a much-needed attacking signing. Gent striker Ahmed Abdullahi has joined the club but is facing a spell on the sidelines, so it remains to be seen how much action the 20-year-old will receive this year.
Lucas Stassin is the name that the championship leaders have reportedly been looking for. The Belgian signed for Saint Etienne for around €10m on deadline day and has now spoken about why he decided to move to Sunderland.
Stassin told La Derniere Heure:
“First it was Sunderland. Saint-Étienne came a little later. I thought of the English offer first.
“D2 is a very good championship, but it was difficult to see if Sunderland could play at the top. The ambition is to reach the Premier League, but it was a risk. At Saint-Étienne, Ligue 1 was safe and I immediately liked the speech of the leaders. “
Stassin is a name that has been on Sunderland’s radar for some time. As early as January 2023, it was rumored that the Black Cats were interested in the Belgian.
He then got off to a great start that season, scoring 11 goals in 16 games for Anderlecht Futures.
Stassin moved to KVC Westerlo that summer and scored 11 goals in 32 games for the club. The Belgian has started this season very well with two goals and three assists in his first five games, earning him a move to Ligue 1 side Saint Etienne.
Stassin will join current Sunderland man Pierre Ekwah, who is currently on loan at the French outfit.
I’m looking forward to it
Sunderland return to action after the international break with a long away trip to winless Plymouth Argyle. With none of their international players getting any shots, Le Bris will have plenty of options.
It is hoped that new signings Chris Mepham and Milan Aleksić will be able to travel with the team for the first time. However, when both return from national team duty, it is unknown whether they will appear.
Other signings Abdullahi and Salis Abdul Samed will not make the trip as they are both out with injury. Striker Wilson Isidor will also be hoping to make his first appearance for the club since joining on loan from Zenit St. Petersburg.
Captain Dan Neil also returns to the team after suspension for Sunderland, but will have to fight to regain his place after Jobe Bellingham impressed in his role.