Thoughts/Opinions on Armand Laurienté from Sassoulo?
Could be a half-decent Cambiaso replacement for cheap-ish. I've been following him on-and-off since his 24-25 season in Serie B, which he did quite well in (18g/6a in 33). He has 6 goals and 9 assists so far in 31 starts this season in Serie A. He could be an interesting sub for Yildiz at LW in a front 3, a LM in a 4-4-2, or as a LB/LWB. I remember loose links to him pre-relegation, but don't remember anything since (granted, our LW position has been secure since about then). Anyone watch Sass or have opinions?
So far, I can think of the following:
Pros
- Dynamic winger, eye for scoring and passing (2 more assists than Yildiz)
- Very dependable, only missed 4 games since 2022, last injury in 2023
- Knows the league, has played in Italy since 2022
- EU (French)
- Contract expires in 2027, purchase price could be lower than usual
- Versatile, has played at LW, CF and RW this season. Could potentially play at LM/LWB/LB as well
- Was teammates with Loca for a season in 22-23
- Somewhat under-the-radar, only recent links are to Milan and Lazio (Sunderland last year)
Cons
- Is 27 already, turns 28 in Dec
- Either would play out of position, as a LM or LB, or be a sub for Yildiz (might rather go somewhere and start at LW)
- Already have Boga for this sort of role, but getting Lauriente could free up Boga to sub for strikers or CAM
- Juve-Sassuolo relationship is currently rough, stemming from Muharemovic saga
- Ultra-offensive option for LB or LM, might be a defensive liability
If he'd be willing to play most games at LB or LM, I think he could be a decent option. Super sub for any left-sided position. Assuming we sell Cambiaso for somewhere between 40-60M, 20-25M for him would free up 20-40M for another position. This might be more of a realistic transfer if we don't get UCL. Thoughts?