SUNDERLAND are strengthening their off-field operation with the appointment of Florent Ghisolfi to a senior backroom role.
That has persuaded the 40-year-old former midfielder to move to Wearside despite reported interest from a number of other clubs including Newcastle United and Juventus.
Ghisolfi has previously worked as sporting director at Lens, Nice and Roma, and boasts extensive contacts throughout continental Europe.
While Speakman has spoke about “tweaking” Sunderland’s recruitment model in the wake of winning promotion, the bulk of the club’s transfer work this summer will still revolve around the purchase of young, relatively unproven players who are perceived to be either undervalued or with a significant development potential. Ghisolfi will now play a pivotal role in the identification and signing of those players.
He is well known to Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris as he spent a brief period coaching with Lorient earlier in his career. He also brokered the deal that saw Enzo Le Fee join Sunderland from Roma in January, with the Black Cats having turned the deal into a club-record permanent transfer earlier this summer.
Sunderland are expected to strengthen their coaching team this summer, and Ghisolfi is expected to be involved in that recruitment process.
His departure from Roma was confirmed earlier this week, with the Serie A side revealing he was leaving the Italian capital to take on a “new professional challenge”.
Roma’s statement said: “AS Roma and technical director Florent Ghisolfi have mutually agreed to part ways. Over the past year, Florent has demonstrated professionalism and dedication during a crucial phase for the club.
“We express our gratitude for his contributions and wish him the best of luck as he embarks on a new professional challenge.”
Ghisolfi’s arrival on Wearside is expected to be confirmed in the next few days, with the start of the new Premier League season now less than two months away.
For the latest news and breaking news, visit sportzonenews
Be the first to comment