According to a recent report from L’Équipe (via Chronicle Live), Sunderland are evaluating a move for Valentin Rongier and have initiated contact with Olympique Marseille regarding a possible summer transfer. However, they face competition from Serie A side Como, who are also interested in signing the experienced midfielder, with a potential deal valued around £8.6 million.
Rongier, 30, came through the youth system at Nantes and broke into their senior team after establishing himself in the reserves. He went on to make 135 appearances for La Maison Jaune before joining Marseille in a €13 million transfer in September 2019.
Since his arrival, Rongier has been a key figure at Marseille, amassing 196 appearances up to last season. Despite his consistent performances, the club is not planning to renew his contract, which expires next summer, and are now open to offers—putting clubs like Sunderland on alert.
Sunderland’s Midfield Rebuild Already Underway
Sunderland, under new head coach Régis Le Bris, have been active this summer—not only adding several key players but also appointing Florent Ghisolfi as their director of football. Their French connections could be instrumental if they choose to intensify their pursuit of Rongier. Additionally, with Jordan Henderson’s free transfer to Brentford now confirmed, Sunderland may be more inclined to strengthen their midfield further.
The Premier League newcomers recently sold Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund for £32 million but responded by signing Habib Diarra from RC Strasbourg to reinforce the midfield. They also acquired Noah Sadiki from Union SG, who adds versatility with his ability to cover both midfield and defensive roles.
The Case for Experience in Midfield
Despite the arrivals, both Diarra and Sadiki are in their early twenties, as are Daniel Neil and Chris Rigg—two players who played vital roles in Sunderland’s promotion-winning campaign, including their dramatic play-off final victory over Sheffield United. However, the lack of seasoned professionals in midfield could become an issue in the Premier League unless a more balanced mix is established.
Rongier, a natural holding midfielder, offers poise, tactical intelligence, and precision passing from a deeper role. Still, manager Le Bris may need to adjust his tactical setup to accommodate the Marseille man. The French coach is building a project focused on long-term stability and typically avoids relying on players in their 30s as regular starters. Nevertheless, the club has already signed 31-year-old Reinildo Mandava on a free transfer, leaving open the possibility of another experienced addition like Rongier.
Leave a Reply