Sunderland missed out on centre-back transfer target Tarik Muharemovic this week, putting the Black Cats back in the market for defensive recruits.
Sunderland have been in the market for reinforcements at centre-back and in wider defensive roles over the course of the summer transfer window, to pad Regis Le Bris' side out with cover and competition for places ahead of next season.
At full-back, the transfer plan from the Black Cats' hierarchy has become clear, with Sunderland eyeing a move for Toulouse left-back Dayann Methalie in recent days, coinciding with the addition of former PSG and Borussia Dortmund defender Thomas Meunier as a free agent.
However, in the heart of defence, Sunderland's efforts in the summer transfer window have not been as plain sailing so far.
Recently, Sunderland were heavily interested in signing Tarik Muramehovic from Serie A side Sassulo, who established himself as one of the most promising young central defenders in the Italian top flight last season.
Unfortunately for the Black Cats, their Premier League rivals Leeds United have beaten them to Muramehovic's signature, with the Elland Road outfit agreeing a £34.1m move for the Bosnian international.
As a result, Sunderland will return to the market in search of central defenders this summer, and another Serie A should be next on the club's shopping list.
Sunderland Should Target Udinese Defender Oumar Solet
Udinese centre-back Oumar Solet is garnering heavy transfer interest in the summer window following his impressive season in the Italian top flight, and Sunderland should be the side to secure his signature after missing out on Muramehovic.
With the Leeds new boy, one of his most attractive attributes is that he is a naturally left-footed centre-back, which Sunderland require to provide cover and competition for Omar Alderete, who has suffered several injury issues since he arrived at the Stadium of Light.
Although Solet is right-footed, he featured on the left side of three central defenders in a back-three system for Udinese last season, from which the 26-year-old scored three goals and notched one assist.
Last season, the French youth international cemented his status as one of the most resolute defenders in the Italian top flight, ranking among the league's best for tackles (75) and recoveries (170), according to Fotmob.
Solet's addition would unequivocally improve Regis Le Bris' defensive options heading into the Premier League and Europa League campaigns next season, with Solet already proving himself in European competition during his 106-game stint at Salzburg.
Another bonus to signing Solet following the Muramehovic to Leeds blow is the financial aspect, with reporter Nicolo Schira indicating on X that Udinese will ask for €30m/£25m to part ways with the defender, who has just one year left to run on his contract with the Serie A side.
Therefore would save almost £10m to reinvest in other areas, and still recruit an elite-level central defender to comfortably feature on the left-hand side of defence.
Sunderland would face stern competition for Solet, considering the likes of Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, and Juventus have been linked with the 6'4" centre-back, but would be remiss to miss out on this calibre of talent.
