One of Ligue 2’s best midfielders last season, Enzo Bardeli (23) could leave USL Dunkerque this summer. According to Foot Mercato, the attacking midfielder has lots of suitors queueing up, including EFL Championship’s side Sunderland.
While they’re still looking to finalise Alexandre Mendy’s deal despite Kylian Mbappé’s takeover of Stade Malherbe de Caen, Sunderland seems to target other high profiles from Ligue 2. Apart from the league’s top scorer, the Black Cats have added Bardeli’s name to their shortlist. The attacking midfielder joined Dunkerque in 2021 from Lille OSC, where he had a solid UEFA Youth League campaign back in 19. After having been the Maritimes’ best player in the French third tier, Bardeli perfectly adapted to Ligue 2 last season and helped his club to stay up. The right-footed midfielder didn’t miss a single minute with Dunkerque last season, logging three goals and five assists. An outstanding season that earned him to be called up by Thierry Henry in his preliminary list for the Olympics. A real achievement for the 23-year-old midfielder, who has, however, not been retained in the final squad.
According to Foot Mercato, Sunderland will have to face fierce competition to sign Bardeli as the midfielder is gathering interest all around Europe. The French outlet reveals that Real Valladolid, US Lecce, Alkmaar, Atlanta United and FC Metz are all considering bidding for the talented midfielder, who is tied to the Northern side for another two years.
GFFN l Grégoire Devaux
