Loïc Badé reaches an agreement with Bournemouth, and Sunderland tries to advance in the dispute
Sevilla centre-back becomes top priority for Championship side amid transfer race
Loïc Badé has rejected a move to Bournemouth, despite Sevilla accepting a €30 million (£25.3m) offer for the French defender. The 25-year-old’s decision has opened the door for Sunderland, who are now moving quickly to secure his signing before the transfer window closes.
According to reports from the French press, Sunderland have identified Badé as a key target and are working behind the scenes to present a competitive offer. The club’s sporting director Florent Ghisolfi—who previously worked at Lens, where Badé played—has taken the lead in negotiations.
Bayer Leverkusen Also Monitoring the Situation
The rejection of Bournemouth’s offer has stirred further interest across Europe. Bayer Leverkusen is said to be tracking the situation closely, although no formal bid has yet been made. Meanwhile, Sunderland’s urgency and familiarity with the player could give them a significant advantage.
Sources suggest that Badé is looking for a more ambitious sporting project, which could sway his decision in the event of competing offers. Sunderland, under new ownership and with rising ambitions, see the French defender as a transformative addition to their back line.
International Pedigree and Strong La Liga Resume
Badé has been a consistent starter at Sevilla since arriving in 2023, racking up over 60 appearances in La Liga. Standing at 1.91 meters (6’3″), he offers a blend of physical dominance, tactical intelligence, and ball distribution that has caught the eye of clubs beyond Spain.
The defender was also part of the France national team squad that finished runners-up at the Paris 2024 Olympics, adding international experience to his résumé.
Though under contract at Sevilla until 2029, the Spanish club is open to a sale—provided the €30 million valuation is met. Sunderland sees this as a rare opportunity to sign a player with top-tier credentials.
