Sunderland are reportedly in ‘advanced’ talks to hire their next manager.
Sunderland could soon bring an end to their arduous four-month search for a new manager.
The Black Cats sacked Michael Beale in February after just 12 games in charge, naming Mike Dodds as interim boss before finishing the 2023/24 season in 16th.
Since, Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has been searching for a new manager, seemingly coming close to hiring Will Still, and then Liam Rosenior.
Both withdrew from contention, though, leaving the Black Cats with very limited options in their ongoing search for a new manager.
It’s said that the club are becoming frustrated with the work permit application process, suggesting that Louis-Dreyfus and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman want to hire a foreign manager this summer.
And it looks as though there’s someone in Sunderland’s crosshairs.
Sunderland in ‘advanced’ talks to appoint Regis Le Bris as manager
French manager Regis Le Bris is reportedly set to leave current club Lorient, following their relegation from Ligue 1 last season.
The 48-year-old took charge of Lorient in 2022, his first job as a manager, having since picked up 23 wins in 76 games as manager (30.26%).
After Le Bris became one of the bookmakers’ favourites for the Sunderland job, journalist Sacha Tavolieri has now revealed on X that Le Bris is ‘keen to join’ Sunderland.
Tavolieri also adds that talks are ‘advanced’, and that he is ‘the chosen one’ at the Stadium of Light.
The main frustration for Sunderland ahead of Regis Le Bris appointment
Le Bris looks like a very inexperienced coach, with Lorient being his first job as a manager, and ending in relegation after two seasons.
Le Bris previously spent eight years with Stade Rennais as a youth coach and that could be a big factor in Sunderland hiring him, as they’ll want someone to nurture their ever-youthful side.
But Sunderland also need results on the pitch. Last season showcased the lack of experience in the Sunderland first-team, which needs to be addressed this summer.
Bringing in a coach who’s way more experience in youth than senior football suggests that Sunderland aren’t learning their lesson, and staying stubbornly aligned with their vision.
That, and Le Bris clearly isn’t the first-choice for Sunderland, so any manager who comes in now may be up against it from the off.
But if Tavolieri’s update is to be believed, then Le Bris will at least bring an end to Sunderland’s longstanding search for a new manager.