Sunderland submitted a written offer to FC Augsburg for a permanent deal for Alexis Claude-Maurice, a 28-year-old French attacking midfielder. It is unclear whether he is a priority target or a backup option if a potential deal for Malick Fofana does not happen. The French U21 international joined Augsburg in August 2024 and is under contract until 2027. According to Transfermarkt, his current market value is €15.00m. In April 2026, reports stated that FC Augsburg set an asking price of 20 million euros. The club reportedly rejected bids of up to 25 million euros from VfB Stuttgart in 2025.