The summer transfer window is a time of excitement and anticipation for football fans, as clubs look to bolster their squads and make a statement in the market. For Sunderland AFC, the pursuit of a top-class striker has been a key priority, and the latest development in their search has sent shockwaves throughout the football world. With a reputation for signing talented players and pushing the boundaries of what is possible, Sunderland’s interest in Georges Mikautadze, the £17m-rated international striker from Lyon, has sparked a flurry of speculation and excitement among fans.
As the club continues to build towards a successful season in the Premier League, the addition of a proven goal-scorer like Mikautadze could be the catalyst for Sunderland’s ambitions. With his impressive record in Ligue 1 and international football, Mikautadze has proven himself to be a clinical finisher with intelligent movement and the ability to operate across the front line. But will Sunderland be able to land the striker, or will Roma’s strong interest and advanced talks with Lyon prove too much to overcome?
Sunderland is reportedly interested in signing Mikautadze this summer, but faces stiff competition from Serie A side Roma, who are in advanced talks over a deal. According to reports, Roma has made the 24-year-old their number one attacking target and has offered €18million (£15.2million) to Lyon. The French club is believed to be holding out for closer to €20million (£17million), but negotiations are said to be progressing well.
Mikautadze is coming off the back of a standout season and an even more impressive international tournament. After returning to Metz on loan from Ajax in January 2024, he scored 13 goals in 20 Ligue 1 games, accounting for 30% of the team’s total goals before their relegation in the play-offs. His performances earned him a permanent move to Lyon, where he added a further 11 goals in 34 appearances across the 2024-25 campaign.
The Georgian forward was a key figure in his country’s historic Euro 2024 campaign, scoring in all three of Georgia’s group stage games, including against Turkey, Czech Republic, and Portugal. He finished the tournament as joint-top scorer with five goals and was awarded the Order of Honor by the President of Georgia for his contributions. Mikautadze has now scored 20 goals in 37 caps for Georgia and has continued to develop his reputation as a clinical finisher with intelligent movement and the ability to operate across the front line.
Sunderland would likely need to spend big once again to land the striker, who previously turned out down a move to Monaco in favor of rejoining Lyon. The Black Cats have already shown their ambition this summer with the £30million signing of Habib Diarra and the £15million capture of Noah Sadiki. While Roma appears to be leading the race, Mikautadze’s desire to play regularly in a top-five league could yet leave the door open, particularly if Sunderland chooses to accelerate their interest in the coming days.
