Sunderland should reignite Dodi Lukebakio talks as outstanding data emerges
Sunderland must consider reigniting their interest in Benfica star Dodi Lukebakio after his impressive exploits for Belgium.
Regis Le Bris was keen to bolster his attacking ranks over the summer ahead of Sunderland's return to European football.
The Black Cats registered an interest in Lukebakio in the days leading up to the transfer deadline, with an agreement reportedly reached between the two clubs over a deal worth £16.5million.
They ultimately missed out on the 29-year-old as he stayed put in Portugal at the request of Marco Silva, as Malick Fofana arrived on Wearside.
Lukebakio has since shown that he could be exactly what Le Bris' side needs to reach another level and go far in the Europa League this season.
Sunderland look to be missing an extra bit of firepower and the 29-year-old's latest display proves that he could massively improve their squad in the next window.
Dodi Lukebakio shone in Belgium's defeat to France
Le Bris' side have only scored more than once in a game on one occasion so far this season, with Brian Brobbey netting a hat-trick against Man City last time out.
Le Bris is yet to settle on a regular starter at right or left-wing, with Thomas Meunier, Trai Hume, Malick Fofana, Jocelin Ta Bi and Nilson Angulo all jostling for places on the flank.
Sunderland look to be in desperate need of a new winger in the next window, with their interest in Lukebakio already made public.
His latest display against France shows that he could be the ideal candidate for Le Bris, with the Benfica winger opening the scoring in Paris with an expertly taken one-vs-one strike in the first half.
Lukebakio also created a chance, completed the joint-most dribbles (4) of any player, made the third-most ball recoveries (7) and won the second-most ground duels (4/6) during the encounter.
His strong showing ultimately proved fruitless in a 4-1 loss, but it was certainly proof that he can shine against top opposition on the biggest stage.
Benfica could be open to letting Lukebakio go, after he failed to start any of their first seven league matches, and Sunderland should be straight back in for him in the new year based on this latest evidence.
Belgian media gush over Lukebakio after international display
Lukebakio has garnered huge praise in his home country for the way he went about his business against France.
Voetbal Primeur rated his performance by writing: "Lukebakio played with immense confidence before half-time. He wasn’t afraid to dribble and take on his opponent. After 35 minutes, he slipped past the offside trap following a superb pass from Lavia. Face to face with the goalkeeper, he curled the ball beautifully into the net. He was substituted for Godts after 70 minutes, but by then he had already shown his class."
It is clear that he has all the tools to be a success at the top level, and with Sunderland after more pace and directness right now, he should be a top target ahead of the new year.