Newly promoted Premier League club Sunderland are reportedly targeting Bournemouth attacking midfielder Hamed Traore. However, their pursuit could face significant competition from Serie A side Sassuolo, who are apparently looking to bring the player back.
Having secured promotion to the Premier League via the playoff final last season, Sunderland are actively working to strengthen their squad in preparation for top-flight football. Reinforcing the midfield appears to be a key priority, and the club has been linked with several potential additions.
Beyond the midfield, Sunderland has also reportedly submitted a bid to Ligue 1 club Nantes for striker Matthis Abline.
Hamed Traore is seen as a versatile midfield option, and the Bournemouth player has been widely linked with a potential move to the Stadium of Light. The 25-year-old Ivorian is attracting interest from multiple clubs, including reportedly Ligue 1 giants Marseille.
Now, Italian reports suggest that Serie A side Sassuolo are also keen on bringing Traore back to the club. Traore previously made over 100 appearances for Sassuolo before joining Bournemouth in January 2023, and his former club is now hoping for his return.
However, the attacking midfielder`s time at Bournemouth hasn`t been as successful as hoped, leading to him being loaned out twice and potentially facing another move this summer. Most recently, he spent time on loan with Ligue 1 side Auxerre, where he scored ten league goals in 26 appearances.
Traore`s versatility is a key attribute, allowing him to play in various attacking roles. His current contract with Bournemouth runs until the summer of 2028. It remains to be seen if Sunderland will formalize their interest amidst the growing competition from Sassuolo and other clubs for the midfielder`s signature.