Sunderland send official offer to Augsburg for Alexis Claude-Maurice as Fofana deal still uncertain

Sunderland send offer for Augsburg forward as deadline looms large

Sunderland have reportedly sent an official offer to Augsburg for forward Alexis Claude-Maurice, with it still unclear at to the exact status of the Malick Fofana deal, according to Florian Plettenberg.

🚨EXCL | Sunderland have submitted a written offer to FC Augsburg for Alexis Claude-Maurice around 30 minutes ago for a permanent deal.

It’s unclear whether he is a priority target or a backup option in case the Malick Fofana deal does not happen.@SkySportDE 🇧🇪🇬🇵 pic.twitter.com/CzHRLKDJxt

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) September 1, 2026

The Black Cats have been working all day to convince Fofana to choose them over Crystal Palace and, whilst that looks to have worked, this deal may suggest some uncertainty - although we aren't yet sure exactly the type of target Claude-Maurice is.

Claude-Maurice top target or back up

It must be noted that it feels strange for another offer to be sent out this close to the deadline for a player of a similar ilk to one thought to have already agreed a deal.

But perhaps this one is just a contingency plan in case Fofana does yet another U-turn in the mental saga that has unfolded today.

We are now at the point where deal sheets will likely be the go to in terms of keeping a deal open beyond the window, which will likely be the route taken with Sunderland's new French target, with closing out the Fofana deal for good still the main issue at present.