Mepham spent last season on loan at the Stadium of Light, making a significant contribution to Sunderland’s promotion success as he made 37 starts during the regular Championship season and also featured as a substitute in both the play-off semi-final and final.
However, his loan deal from Bournemouth did not include a clause for an automatic permanent transfer and he has therefore returned to his parent club following the end of the campaign.
Bournemouth has the option to extend Mepham’s contract by another year, but he is expected to be sold to recoup the £12 million spent on him from Brentford. Sheffield United has expressed interest in signing the centre-back, which would result in Mepham dropping back into the Championship.
Re-signing with Sunderland provides the possibility for Premier League play, although Mepham will almost probably face a tough battle for regular minutes on Wearside. As a Wales international, Mepham does not want to lose his spot in the national team due to extended periods of inactivity.
The Sunderland hierarchy was impressed by Mepham’s on-field efforts last season, and the defender also played a key role off the pitch, with Regis Le Bris regularly applauding his leadership abilities.
However, winning promotion allows the Black Cats to shop in a new market, and while centre-half is a key position this summer, a variety of options, both domestic and international, are now being considered.
If it is determined that alternative targets have a higher potential ceiling than Mepham, both in terms of playing ability and possible sell-on value, the club will pursue them instead of its former loanee. The same goes for Salis Abdul Samed, who returned to Lens at the completion of his loan period.
“We’re looking at all of the players, but I’ve been clear that I won’t talk about individuals, particularly from other clubs,” said Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman.
“We’re looking at what the situation is [at Premier League level] and how we can remedy it. I believe that is the simplest way to describe it.
“Obviously, all of the players who have contributed to our trip this year are in the running for that conversation. It’s about us trying to find the appropriate balance [for what we require in the Premier League].”
Talks over Jobe Bellingham are still ongoing, with the England Under-21 international on the verge of joining Borussia Dortmund if the German club can make a suitable offer.
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