‘The sooner I left, the better’ – Sunderland defender delivers blunt verdict on loan transfer exit

‘The sooner I left, the better’ – Sunderland defender delivers blunt verdict on loan transfer exit

Arthur Masuaku has spoken about his departure from Sunderland A.F.C. after sealing a loan move to RC Lens during the January transfer window, admitting his time on Wearside did not unfold as he had expected.

The 32-year-old defender arrived at the Stadium of Light on a free transfer last summer, signing a contract through to June 2027 as part of Sunderland’s Premier League rebuild. However, his stay proved brief and largely uneventful.

Masuaku featured just three times in the league, making short appearances against Aston Villa F.C., Nottingham Forest F.C. and Manchester United F.C. before falling out of regular matchday squads.

After spending several weeks on the bench and later being left out entirely, a December call-up for AFCON effectively signalled the end of his involvement at Sunderland. He subsequently returned to France on loan with Lens for the rest of the campaign — a club where he spent part of his youth career.

In an interview with La Voix du Nord, Masuaku described the move as an emotional return.
“Coming back to Lens feels like coming home,” he said. “I was there from the age of nine to 15, so seeing familiar faces again meant a lot. Since arriving, I’ve really been enjoying myself.”

He explained that the opportunity came unexpectedly while he was settled in England. “My agent called and mentioned Lens. I agreed immediately — we didn’t even go into the details. The sooner I left, the better.

My move to Sunderland didn’t go the way I’d hoped, but that’s football. It’s part of my journey. I made good friends there and wish them nothing but the best.”

Although there has been no official word on whether the loan will become permanent, Masuaku’s comments indicate his focus is firmly on building his future back in France rather than returning to Sunderland.

Following the completion of the deal, Sunderland’s then sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said the move suited both parties, noting that Masuaku was eager for more playing time after international duty and that the club had strong competition in his position.

He added that Sunderland wished him well at Lens as they pursue their ambitions this season.

For Sunderland, Masuaku’s exit highlights a summer signing whose spell at the club was short-lived amid a period of significant change.