The latest edition of the Sunderland weekly round-up takes a look at the latest news from the Stadium of Light. As is usually the case at this time of year, transfer rumours are in full swing and at Sunderland it’s no different.
This past week there have been several players linked with a move to the Stadium of Light and also an important first-team player has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League. Here we look back on the past seven days on Wearside.
Sunderland Weekly Round-Up: Transfer and Ownership Latest
Amad Diallo Open to a Return
It would seem Amad Diallo is in full agreement with this story…#SAFC pic.twitter.com/fJWaOT2a95
— James Copley (@JamesCopley_) May 28, 2023
A report in the Sunderland Echo claims that fan favourite Amad Diallo is open to a return to Sunderland; however, only if Tony Mowbray remains in charge. Following the Black Cats’ defeat in the playoff semi-final to eventual winners Luton Town, rumours began that Mowbray could be replaced.
The former Blackburn Rovers and Celtic manager took over as head coach following the departure of Alex Neil early in the season. Despite it being Sunderland’s first season back in the Championship following promotion, the loss of their head coach and an injury list that had many first-team players on it, Mowbray guided the Black Cats to a playoff place.
It is likely that Diallo who played 39 times for Sunderland during his loan, scoring 14 goals and becoming a fan favourite will be given a chance at Manchester United during pre-season. However, what happens from that point remains to be seen.
Jobe Bellingham Incoming
While Jude Bellingham is set to complete his move to Real Madrid… his brother Jobe Bellingham is expected to travel to Sunderland this week. ⚪️🔴 #SAFC
Medical tests are scheduled ahead of £3m move from Birmingham City. pic.twitter.com/DNKu2uo3O4
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 29, 2023
Jobe Bellingham, the brother of England international Jude Bellingham, is expected to sign for Sunderland in the coming days. Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that a £3 million deal has been agreed with his current club Birmingham City. While his brother Jude is in Madrid sealing a move to Real, Jobe will take the next step in his career by moving to Wearside.
Jack Clarke Wanted
The Sunderland Echo have reported that should Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha leave the club this summer then Jack Clarke could be their number one target. The Eagles star is a target for Qatari side Al Sadd and could be tempted by a £10 million per year deal.
Should this deal happen, Palace could move for Sunderland winger Jack Clarke to replace him. The former Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur man has been in fine form since moving to the Stadium of Light from Spurs following a successful loan spell.
Clarke finished last season with an impressive 23-goal contribution in all competitions.
Ethan Galbraith in Demand
According to Scott Wilson of the Northern Echo, both Sunderland and Middlesbrough are interested in Manchester United youngster Ethan Galbraith. The 22-year-old midfielder is set to become a free agent this summer following a season-long loan at League Two side Salford City.
The Northern Ireland international has been told he will not be offered a new contract at Old Trafford which is sure to trigger plenty of interest from clubs across the Football League. Sunderland are known to be able to develop young players; however, Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick knows Galbraith from his time as a United coach.
Could Dion Sanderson Return
The Sunderland Echo have reported that former loanee Dion Sanderson is set to leave Wolves. Birmingham City, where Sanderson spent last season have reportedly tabled a bid; however, the Black Cats are also interested in the central defender who spent a season on loan on Wearside during the 2020/21 campaign.
Black Cats and Edouard Michut Unable to Agree on Terms
Last Week it emerged that Edouard Michut would not be joining the club on a permanent deal from Paris Saint-Germain. An option was in place for the Black Cats to make the deal a permanent one; however, they have decided against taking up the option.
Sunderland’s Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman said “He is highly respected by all at Sunderland AFC but following a period of dialogue with the player and his representatives, all parties mutually agreed it was best to pursue other opportunities at this moment in time. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with Edou and wish him well for the future.”
Sunderland Weekly Round-Up: Ownership Statement
On Saturday Sunderland, via their official club website, safc.com released a statement regarding Kyril Louis-Dreyfus’s shareholding in the club.
Sunderland AFC today announces that Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has increased his shareholding in the Club.
Mr Louis-Dreyfus has increased his stake to 64%, with Juan Sartori increasing his stake to 36%.
The shares have been acquired through the purchase of shares previously held by Stewart Donald, who has now exited the Club’s shareholder group entirely.
SAFC’s Board of Directors remains unchanged.
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