Sunderland are reportedly eyeing a move for Lyon striker Georges Mikautadze this summer, though they’ll have to fend off strong competition from Serie A giants Roma, who are already in advanced negotiations for the player.
Italian reports indicate that Roma have made the 24-year-old their top attacking priority and have tabled a €18 million (£15.2 million) bid to Lyon. However, the French club are holding out for closer to €20 million (£17 million). Talks are said to be progressing positively, with both sides optimistic about reaching an agreement.
Sunderland’s interest in Mikautadze comes as they continue evaluating striker options, with manager Régis Le Bris eager to add proven attacking quality to his squad following their return to the Premier League. While the current price tag would mark a significant investment, European sources suggest Sunderland have already made contact as part of their ongoing summer recruitment efforts.
Mikautadze just finished an incredible season and an even more remarkable international competition. He scored 13 goals in 20 Ligue 1 games after rejoining Metz on loan from Ajax in January 2024, making up 30% of the team’s goals prior to their play-off relegation. He was permanently transferred to Lyon as a result of his performances, and during the 2024–25 season, he scored an additional 11 goals in 34 games.
The Georgian forward played a significant role in his nation’s historic Euro 2024 campaign on the international scene. He concluded the tournament as the tournament’s joint-top scorer with five goals, having scored in all three of Georgia’s group stage matches, including matches against Portugal, the Czech Republic, and Turkey. For his efforts, the President of Georgia bestowed upon him the Order of Honor.
With 37 Georgian caps to date, Mikautadze has scored 20 goals and maintained his reputation as a clinical finisher with deft movement and front-line versatility. Since making his debut, the striker has also scored 100 goals for the team.
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Sunderland would likely need to make another significant financial move to secure the signing of Georges Mikautadze, who previously rejected a transfer to Monaco in order to return to Lyon. The Black Cats have already demonstrated their intent this summer with high-profile signings, including Habib Diarra for £30 million and Noah Sadiki for £15 million.
Although Roma currently appear to be in pole position for Mikautadze, the striker’s ambition to play regularly in a top-five European league could still give Sunderland a chance—especially if they decide to intensify their pursuit soon. Lyon are expected to offload at least one key player this summer to help stabilize their finances. Whether Sunderland step up their efforts or remain on the sidelines may ultimately depend on how talks with other striker targets unfold in the coming two weeks.