Sunderland join Leeds United in transfer chase for 26-year-old | OneFootball

Modibo Sagnan is on the Black Cats' radar after previously being linked to Leeds

Sunderland are readying a move for Montpellier centre-back Modibo Sagnan in the upcoming summer transfer window, according to new reports from France.

The Black Cats are set for a busy window in the coming months, but their current focus will be fully on the play-off final this weekend, as they prepare to face Sheffield United at Wembley for a place in the Premier League.

Regis Le Bris has been a revelation on Wearside since he was appointed as head-coach last summer, and his impressive contacts have led to Sunderland being able to recruit some top players that have led their promotion charge throughout this campaign.

Regardless of their league status for 2025/26, the Black Cats will need to add to their squad this summer, and Le Bris could be about to delve into the French market for a new signing once again following reports of their interest in Sagnan.

Modibo Sagnan is on Sunderland's transfer radar ahead of the summer

Mali international Sagnan joined Montpellier in February last year from Dutch side Utrecht, and he has been a regular at the back for 'La Paillade' in Ligue 1 since his arrival.

The 26-year-old has impressed at the heart of their defence with two goals in 27 appearances this term, but has been unable to help Montpellier avoid relegation to Ligue 2, as their run of 16 consecutive seasons in the top-flight came to an end last month.

Their impending drop means that a fire sale of their key assets is likely, and Sunderland are reportedly looking to take advantage as they prepare for either a return to the Premier League, or another Championship promotion push.

French outlet Midi Libre have claimed that the Black Cats are interested in signing Sagnan this summer to bolster their own defensive ranks. He is left-footed, and counts strength and tackling as two of his best attributes.

The Mali international's contract at the Stade de la Mosson runs until 2028, but he is believed to be one of the Montpellier regulars who face an uncertain future following their relegation to the second-tier.

Sunderland could face competition from Leeds for Sagnan's signature

At 26-years-old, Sagnan has already built up an impressive CV of different clubs he has played for and leagues he has played in since his professional debut for RC Lens in Ligue 2 in 2018.

He left Lens in 2019 to join Real Sociedad for a reported fee of €5 million, but only made 22 appearances for the La Liga outfit in two years while going back on loan to his former club and also to Segunda División side Mirandes.

Spells with Primeira Liga side Tondela and Eredivisie club Utrecht followed, before he moved back to his native France to join Montpellier last year. The burly centre-back has clearly been unable to settle at numerous different clubs throughout his career so far, and so a move to English football will surely appeal as he looks to find a club that he wants to stay at for an extended period of time.

Sunderland may well fancy a move for Sagnan this summer, but they could face competition from previous Championship rivals Leeds United, who were claimed to be closely interested in his services by Foot Mercato last month.

Premier League-bound Leeds would surely represent a more favourable opportunity for the 26-year-old this summer if the Black Cats are unable to seal their own promotion to the top-flight in the play-off final, but it remains to be seen if the Whites are still interested or have moved on to more high-profile targets.