Sunderland explore Lorient deal for Ghana defender Nathaniel Adjei

Ghanaian centre-back Nathaniel Adjei, currently at FC Lorient, has been linked with a move to Sunderland as the Premier League club considers a transfer for the 24-year-old defender.

Adjei has made one Ligue 1 appearance for Lorient this season, completing the full 90 minutes. He has started that match and played every available minute in the campaign so far.

The defender joined Lorient permanently from Swedish club Hammarby in July 2024 in a deal reported at €5.7m. He had initially moved to the French club on loan in January 2024 before returning to Hammarby at the end of that season.

Adjei was part of the Lorient squad that won the French second-tier title in the 2024-25 campaign. The club returned to Ligue 1, where the Ghanaian has since recorded his latest top-flight appearance.

A move to Sunderland would take Adjei from Ligue 1 to the Premier League, although the rumour does not include a proposed fee or indication of how advanced discussions may be. His current market value is listed at €1.5m.

Adjei remains under contract with Lorient until 30 June 2028, leaving the French club with two years remaining on his deal.