adminSunderland Step Up Summer Transfer Business Ahead of Premier League Return
Sunderland have ramped up their transfer activity in recent days as preparations continue for their return to the Premier League.
The Black Cats smashed their transfer record last month with a £20 million deal for Roma midfielder Enzo Le Fée. Now, they are on the verge of surpassing that figure again, closing in on a £30 million move for Strasbourg and Senegal international Habib Diarra. Reinildo Mandava, a left-back recently released by Atlético Madrid, is also expected to join Regis Le Bris’ squad shortly.
On the departure front, Jobe Bellingham is reportedly heading to Borussia Dortmund in a deal that could also break club records. Meanwhile, Tommy Watson has completed a £10 million move to Brighton & Hove Albion just days after scoring the decisive goal in Sunderland’s Championship play-off victory over Sheffield United. Goalkeeper Nathan Bishop also left the club on Tuesday, signing a three-year deal with AFC Wimbledon following loan spells at Wycombe Wanderers and Cambridge United.
As the squad reshapes, several players who spent last season on loan are due to return and face key decisions about their futures:
Nectarios Triantis
The Australian midfielder began last season at Sunderland, making appearances in the Carabao Cup and a league match against Burnley. He later joined Hibernian on loan, enjoying a strong campaign that saw the Scottish club finish third and qualify for the Europa League. Hibs are keen on bringing Triantis back for a third spell, while Blackburn Rovers are also interested. However, according to the Daily Record, Triantis remains undecided and will assess his future during pre-season.
Matty Young
After impressing at Darlington, the England Under-20 goalkeeper spent last season with Salford City in League Two. Despite a slow start, he found his form and kept nine clean sheets in 27 appearances. Young will rejoin Sunderland for pre-season training and may feature in friendly matches before likely heading out on another loan, with clubs from League One and the Scottish Premiership monitoring his progress.
Pierre Ekwah
Ekwah featured in Sunderland’s early Carabao Cup fixtures before joining Ligue 1 side Saint-Étienne on loan. He made 30 appearances, though the club was relegated at the end of the season. Sunderland have made it clear the midfielder is available for a permanent move, and Saint-Étienne are keen to bring him back—though they face competition from other suitors.
Timothée Pembélé
The ex-Paris Saint-Germain defender has not played for Sunderland since April 2024, when he started in a defeat to Millwall. Last season, he was loaned to French side Le Havre, making 21 appearances as the club narrowly avoided relegation. Pembélé is set to return to Wearside but could be sold if the right offer comes in.
Abdoullah Ba
Ba spent much of the first half of last season on the bench as Sunderland chased promotion. He was later sent out on loan in pursuit of regular game
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