Big-money moves, last-minute drama and potential departures – Sunderland face a hectic Premier League deadline day
Sunderland are likely to be busy as the transfer market closes at 7 p.m. on September 1 in order to finalise their Premier League team. Kristjaan Speakman, Florent Ghisolfi, Stuart Harvey, Régis Le Bris, and Kyril Louis-Dreyfus are still working to improve important areas while simultaneously reducing the roster and arranging development loans for some talented young players.
The incoming transfer deals Sunderland could sanction
Sunderland are still looking for a flexible forward who can play out width and across the middle, complementing the Black Cats’ current attacking options. While Romaine Mundle is scheduled to return from injury later this season, Le Bris wants one more deal completed before the deadline, if possible. The club has already demonstrated a willingness to invest extensively, agreeing to a deal for Armand Laurienté earlier in the window valued roughly £19 million but dropping out when the circumstances changed at the last minute.
Sunderland has been connected with several high-profile forwards worth roughly £30 million, including Loïs Openda of RB Leipzig and Abdul Fatawu of Leicester City. According to German media, Openda remains a player to keep an eye on, with Leipzig valuing the Belgian striker at more than €40 million (about £34 million), and Juventus, Aston Villa, and Sunderland all keeping a close eye on developments.
Owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has shown his willingness to authorize another large attacking acquisition if the proper opportunity emerges, however the club is also open to securing a loan deal if necessary. So far, only Marc Guiu has joined on a temporary basis; Sunderland’s other recruits, including Robin Roefs, Nordi Mukiele, and Omar Alderete, have arrived permanently. Sunderland is pursuing Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumí. The Colombian international started on the bench over the weekend and remains a primary target for Le Bris, but the deal depends on whether Bologna can find a replacement before deadline day.
Sunderland’s deadline-day expenditure could approach £60 million if they get both Lucumí and a forward on permanent deals, which are likely to cost between £25 million and £30 million apiece. The Lucumí contract is a key factor to keep an eye on as the deadline approaches at 7 p.m. There has also been talk of a Guiu recall by Chelsea following Liam Delap’s injury, but it is understood that there is no automatic reason to bring the striker back to Stamford Bridge, so Sunderland would have to agree to his return after securing a replacement and being financially compensated.
Finally, the Black Cats have apparently entered the fight to sign Netherlands international Lutsharel Geertruida, with French publication Mercato reporting that the Premier League club is attempting to hijack Olympique de Marseille’s deal for the versatile defender. One to keep an eye on as the window slowly closes.
The outgoing deals Sunderland could sanction on deadline day
Sunderland is also preparing for a heavy day of departures, with up to 16 players potentially leaving before the deadline. The priority is to free up payroll, sign players who are not in Régis Le Bris’ plans, and secure development loans for the club’s best prospects. Blondy Nna Noukeu, the goalkeeper, could leave after sliding down the pecking order following Robin Roefs’ arrival earlier this summer. A permanent move or loan would allow the 22-year-old to get valuable senior experience rather than spending the season as Sunderland’s fourth-choice option.
There are various defensive exit options. Timothée Pembélé, who spent last season on loan at Le Havre, has not appeared in recent games and appears to be on his way out. Young defenders Zak Johnson and Leo Hjelde are both good prospects for loan moves to help them develop, while Joe Anderson, 24, might be poised for a permanent departure if adequate offers come in. Jenson Seelt is the most confusing case: he has appeared in Sunderland’s first Premier League games, but he might yet go out on loan if Sunderland signs another centre-back, with interest coming from the Netherlands.
Alan Browne’s future in midfield is questionable after dropping down the pecking order following Sunderland’s summer recruitment push. Abdoullah Ba, who was on loan in France last season, might leave permanently or on another temporary basis, while Harrison Jones could be loaned out to get vital senior experience. Ian Poveda, who has struggled to establish himself at the Stadium of Light, is another possible departure, while Jay Matete, despite his status as a consistent EFL performer, could also leave in search of regular playing time.
Milan Aleksic and Ahmed Abdullahi, two of Sunderland’s younger prospects, are both being considered for development loans to help them advance, while Nazariy Rusyn is anticipated to leave after returning from his term at Hajduk Split, with a permanent transfer being the most likely outcome. Niall Huggins is also receiving interest from EFL clubs after returning from injury but missing recent Premier League matchday squads. Patrick Roberts, a first-team forward, has also been linked with a move to Derby County if the club is willing to meet Sunderland’s value.
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