Chris Mepham, a defender for Bournemouth, is in great demand following his successful loan stint at Sunderland, which helped the Black Cats advance to the Premier League. The club’s summer transfer window trajectory has been significantly altered by Sunderland’s victory in the Championship play-off final.
Due to the promotion duty to buy provision in his Roma loan deal, Enzo Le Fee became the club’s permanent addition for a reported £20 million. With Tommy Watson leaving for Brighton and Jobe Bellingham on the verge of joining Borussia Dortmund, Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has set the team’s transfer budget at approximately £100 million ahead of the Premier League season. Chris Mepham is another 24/25 loanee that Sunderland supporters are eager to see sign a permanent contract, but they risk losing to a rival top division team in their pursuit.
Mepham, a loanee from Bournemouth, played a crucial role in Regis Le Bris’ team that won promotion. The Welsh international made 40 Championship games, including the play-off final as an early substitute after Luke O’Nien was substituted after just one minute.
The Blades, who have also eyed Mepham, are a rival to Sunderland, who are considering a permanent signing for the 27-year-old after his incredible season. Graeme Bailey, the Chief Football Correspondent for EFL Analysis, has informed us exclusively that Burnley, who were just promoted, may surpass both the Blades and the Black Cats in their chase of Mepham.
“I don’t think he’s out of the realms of possibility for Sunderland,” Bailey disclosed. He performed admirably there. Depending on what Bournemouth asks, that is. He is undoubtedly accessible. However, he would also be a great addition to Sheffield United. I believe he will depart, and the player would prefer to return to Sunderland, but Sheffield United is also a possibility. Right now, I believe it is actually between those two. A Championship team with a significant budget would need to get him because he also earns a good salary. Or it can be one of the clubs that got promoted. Do we think Burnley will replace him? They might have to lose.
Although Bournemouth has the option to initiate a 12-month extension, Mepham’s current Cherries contract expires at the end of next month. In order to recover a portion of the £12 million they paid Brentford for the center-half’s services in 2018, they are anticipated to do so and try to sell him this summer. Mepham’s remarks earlier this season regarding his contractual status provide the clearest clue as to where his football career may go, especially given the high level of interest in his services this summer.
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