Sunderland Set To Rival Newcastle United For This Ligue 1 Defender: Why They Must Snap Him Up | OneFootball

If a report from the Daily Mirror (as quoted by the Chronicle Live) is believed to be true, Sunderland are chasing Wilfried Singo over a potential summer swoop. But they are not alone in the hunt, with Tyne-Wear rivals Newcastle United also keeping close eyes on the versatile Monaco defender.

The 24-year-old Ivory Coast international progressed through the youth ranks of Denguélé back in his homeland. He was then signed by Serie A side Torino, where he soon secured a first-team spot following a brief stint with the U19s. After more than 100 appearances for the Maroons, Singo plied his trade in Ligue 1 and joined Monaco for a fee of around £8.3m.

Although he enjoyed a key role in the defensive third under Adolf Hutter, his eagerness to experience Premier League football should see Monaco accept an offer of around £20m. However, a contract at Stade Louis II until the summer of 2028 has put the French heavyweights in the driver’s seat while they engage in negotiations.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 05: Wilfried Singo of AS Monaco competes for the ball with Santiago Castro of Bologna during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Monaco at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on November 05, 2024 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

What He Will Bring To The Stadium Of Light

Singo has impressed with his athleticism, recovery speed, aerial and physical supremacy, vision, concentration, game-reading attributes and versatility. He has been effective both as a right fullback and centre-half, and his emergence as a first-team regular earned him accolades from the manager.

Told Hutter as he praised the Ivorian for his eye-catching traits. He was a part of the Elephants’ 2023 Africa Cup of Nations triumph, and Sunderland would now look to build their defence around him to maintain the hard-earned top-flight status.

Why Sunderland Should Tie Him Down

The Black Cats have skipper Luke O’Nien and Daniel Ballard among central defensive options. Both impressed under French boss Régis Le Bris, but they need reinforcements, particularly after Chris Mepham returned to Bournemouth following a successful loan. Leo Hjelde is viewed as a sporadic option, and the arrival of Singo would offer quality, along with restoring depth and parity in the heart of the backline.

Meanwhile, the French connection helped Sunderland sign Wilson Isidor and Enzo Le Fée, who were pivotal to their promotion. The former Lorient boss must make use of his contacts to sign Singo and form a formidable force in Wearside.