Sunderland Make Major Transfer Decision On £8 Million Aston Villa Target
Sunderland have turned down a large sum of money from Turkish giants Galatasaray for defender Trai Hume this summer, according to the latest reports.
The Black Cats haven’t been the most active Championship side in the transfer market over the past few weeks. Prior to Regis Le Bris’ unprecedented appointment a few weeks ago, the club had only signed backup goalkeeper Simon Moore after his deal expired with Coventry City.
However, in the aftermath of the French coach’s arrival, the Wearside outfit have only acquired the signature of Republic of Ireland international Alan Browne, who left Preston North End at the beginning of July as a free agent despite being offered a club-record deal to remain at Deepdale.
There have been far more outgoings than arrivals at the Stadium of Light so far this summer, as the likes of Bradley Dack, Jack Diamond and former skipper Corry Evans were all allowed to leave the club after their contracts were not renewed by the board. Furthermore, young shot-stopper Nathan Bishop was sent out on loan to League One side Wycombe Wanderers to make way for the incoming Moore.
Nevertheless, there have been a number of Sunderland players linked with moves away from the club over the past few days. Journalist Pete O’Rourke from Football Insider has revealed that Hume is wanted by Turkish Super Lig champions Galatasaray but that the secod-tier side have turned down a £7 million offer for the Northern Irishman.
The Belfast Telegraph revealed back in June that the fullback has garnered plenty of interest from top clubs in Europe over the past few months, including Napoli and Premier League duo Bournemouth and Aston Villa but Sunderland have slapped an £8 million price tag on his back which has scared away suitors from making a formal approach for the player, until this week, it would seem.
Writer’s View
Hume currently boasts a market value of £6 million, as per Transfermarkt, yet has another three years remaining on his deal in the Northeast of England, hence why the club’s asking price is higher right now than he is potentially worth.
That being said, £7 million is a really good offer and is reportedly just £1 million away from what Sunderland want. Perhaps Galatasaray will come back in with a new and improved bid, closer to £8 million which may force the board to accept.
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Sunderland Man Posed For Surprise Club Exit
Sunderland defender Henry Fieldson is poised to exit the club on loan, but in a surprise move, it looks like being to another English club.
The 19-year-old centre-back had seemingly been set for a move north of the border, as reported earlier in the week. He was on trial with Queen’s Park, with a loan move looking to be the likely outcome.
Given that he has played 48 competitive games for the Black Cats’ U18s and chipped in with a couple of goals from the back, it seems a good time to get him out, and The Spiders appeared to be the best destination, having finished eighth in the Scottish second tier.
However, it now appears that the 6ft 1in player could be staying in England, travelling the journey down the A1 to Blundell Park, home of Grimsby Town. Last night, he was named on their team as they squared off against Lincolnshire rivals Boston United on York Street
He was officially listed as a trialist on the Mariner’s social media pages, but was named on the teamsheet posted by local reporter Matt Dean. Grimsby, who finished 21st in League Two last season, just seven points from the drop, got the better of their non-league rivals, winning 2-0.
Fieldson is highly rated by the Black Cats and was even named as a possible replacement for the injured Dan Ballard by Football Fan Cast journalist Kelan Sarson last season.
Having penned a professional contract in 2023, Academy manager Robin Nicholls said of the youngster: “We are delighted that Henry has signed his first professional contract with the club. He is a solid defender who displays attributes of a real leader for the group.
“We are happy that he will be continuing his journey here at the club and would like to credit himself, his family and the many SAFC staff who have played a part in his journey over the years.”
