Sunderland is on the verge of signing defender Arthur Masuaku as their tenth addition this summer, boosting their squad for the 2025 Premier League return. The experienced left-back, a free agent after leaving Besiktas, brings over 100 Premier League games and international caps with DR Congo to address the team’s defensive shortages.
Masuaku’s Journey to Sunderland
Arthur Masuaku, aged 31, has built a solid career across Europe. He first made waves in the Premier League with West Ham United, where he played from 2016 to 2022, racking up key appearances in tough matches.
After a stint in Turkey with Besiktas, where he featured in 44 games last season, Masuaku became available without a transfer fee. This move fits Sunderland’s smart recruitment strategy, focusing on proven players to mix with young talent.
Fans recall his dynamic style, blending speed and tackling. His arrival could inspire younger squad members, much like how veteran signings lifted teams in past promotions.
Boosting Defensive Depth Amid Injuries
Sunderland’s defense has faced early challenges in 2025. Key players like Luke O’Nien, Aji Alese, Dennis Cirkin, and Leo Hjelde are sidelined for the season’s start, forcing coach Régis Le Bris to improvise.
Masuaku’s versatility allows him to play left-back or shift centrally, giving options like moving Reinildo to center-back. This flexibility proved vital in a recent preseason game against Real Betis.
The signing comes at a crucial time, with the Premier League opener against West Ham looming next weekend. It could mark Masuaku’s debut against his former club, adding a personal twist to the fixture.
Experts see this as a low-risk, high-reward deal. Without a fee, Sunderland gains experience without straining their budget, estimated at around £50 million for summer transfers.
Other Targets in the Transfer Hunt
Sunderland isn’t stopping at Masuaku. They aim to add a top central defender before the window closes on August 30, 2025.
One prospect, Lille’s Bafodé Diakité, is nearing a £30 million move to Bournemouth instead. This shift follows Bournemouth’s sales of stars like Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid and Milos Kerkez to Liverpool, generating over £150 million.
- Jhon Lucumí from Bologna: Sunderland offers a big fee, but Bologna wants to extend his deal.
- Loic Bade from Sevilla: Attracting interest from Bayer Leverkusen too, with a potential £25.5 million price tag.
- Torbjørn Heggem from West Brom: Talks ongoing but not advanced.
These pursuits show Sunderland’s ambition to build a resilient backline.
Logical reasoning suggests focusing on versatile defenders. With promotions often hinging on solid defense, as seen in Leicester’s 2024 success, Sunderland learns from history.
Sunderland’s Broader Summer Strategy
This window marks Sunderland’s return to the Premier League after years in lower leagues. They’ve already secured nine signings, blending youth and experience for a balanced squad.
Here’s a quick look at their summer additions so far:
| Player | Position | From | Fee (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Habib Diarra | Midfielder | Strasbourg | £15 million |
| Armand Lauriente | Winger | Sassuolo | £10 million |
| Other signings (various) | Mixed | Various clubs | £20 million total |
The strategy emphasizes smart spending. Owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has invested wisely, drawing from models like Brighton’s data-driven approach.
Recent events, like the 2025 Euros where DR Congo impressed, highlight Masuaku’s international pedigree. This could help Sunderland in global scouting.
Fan Excitement and What Lies Ahead
Supporters are buzzing about Masuaku’s potential impact. Many see him as a mentor for emerging talents, sharing stories from high-stakes games that build team spirit. As Sunderland prepares for a tough season, signings like this solve immediate problems while entertaining with comeback narratives.
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