3 centre-backs Sunderland should eye this summer as Chris Mepham loan end awaits
Sunderland are likely to be in the market for another centre-back this summer once Chris Mepham returns to Bournemouth.
Sunderland have been very hit-and-miss in the transfer market recently, but overall, last summer was a success. That much has been evident from the strides forward made by SAFC this season.
The Black Cats may not have the perfect squad but the permanent arrivals of Alan Browne and Wilson Isidor have been big improvements on the side. Along with some signings for the future in Milan Aleksic and Ahmed Abdullahi, they are setting themselves up well.
Chris Mepham is another summer signing who has been huge for SAFC. However, he will likely return to Bournemouth at the end of the season.
While a permanent move cannot be ruled out given Bournemouth’s progress this season, Sunderland have already been linked with a summer move for centre-back in Ahmet Gurleyen, suggesting they are keeping options open.
With that said, we put forward three centre-backs who the Black Cats should have their eyes on…
James Hill
23-year-old defender Hill has been with Bournemouth since 2022 when he joined from Fleetwood Town.
He has struggled to nail down a spot in the team playing just 20 times for the Cherries, although he has made 16 appearances in the last year and a half. He was also a success in the first-half of last season when on loan in the Championship with Blackburn Rovers.
A move to Sunderland could be ideal for Hill, whether on loan or a permanent deal. He would get the game time he needs and could be astute pickup for SAFC.
Image courtesy off: ANDREW COULDRIDGE/REUTERS.
Joe Low
Sunderland could call in a favour from former Assistant Mike Dodds with this one. Low has been excellent for Wycombe Wanderers this season.
The Chairboys fended off interest from Championship clubs, such as Swansea City, in January.
The defender has been part of a Wycombe side that has conceded just 32 goals and is 2nd in League One at the moment. He has also scored four goals this season.
Nathaniel Adjei
A former SAFC target, and a man signed by Regis Le Bris last season in Nathaniel Adjei.
Adjei was linked with Sunderland last season whilst he was still at Hammarby in Sweden. However, he was signed by Le Bris’ Lorient side in January instead.
He then made 15 appearances for Le Bris in the second half of last season as Lorient were relegated. This season, he has only featured nine times and could be available for Sunderland to move once again this summer.
