Jhon Lucumi to Sunderland – Luke O’Nien among winners and losers already
Jhon Lucumi is still on Sunderland’s radar this summer.
Regis Le Bris has been active during the transfer window, closing in on the £150million mark after Sunderland confirmed the signing of Nordi Mukiele from Paris Saint-Germain.
The deal for the Frenchman concluded a dream weekend as Sunderland thrashed West Ham United 3-0 at the Stadium of Light on Saturday in their Premier League opener.
Lucumi would become Sunderland’s 13th signing of the summer, and Mackem News explores who wins and loses from this deal.
Winners from Jhon Lucumi’s potential Sunderland transfer
Dan Ballard
Injury almost destroyed Dan Ballard’s season last time out, as he only returned just in time for the play-offs after suffering a hamstring injury that ruled him out for 11 games.
| Injury | Games missed |
| Knee | 2 |
| Ankle | 7 |
| Muscle | 4 |
| Hamstring | 11 |
Ballard got through the play-offs unscathed, as Sunderland won promotion to the Premier League, but his minutes need to be managed.
Lucumi‘s arrival will allow the ex-Arsenal man to rest up for key fixtures, as a big injury in the Premier League could hurt Sunderland.
Read more: Winners and losers from Sunderland’s win vs West Ham include Eliezer Mayenda and Jenson Seelt
Robin Roefs
During Sunderland’s 3-0 victory over West Ham, Robin Roefs was brought into action several times to keep his side level, especially in the first half, while the Hammers were on top.
If Sunderland are to survive, they can’t afford to concede high amounts of big chances every game, as that will cost them valuable points.
The Colombian will bring stability and calmness to the backline, which should limit the amount of involvement Roefs is needed for.
Losers of Lucumi’s potential Sunderland move
Luke O’Nien
Sunderland’s longest-serving player is currently Luke O’Nien, having joined the Wearsiders following their relegation to League One in 2018.
O’Nien was injured in the Championship play-off final win over Sheffield United and hasn’t played since with a dislocated shoulder.
It already looked tough for the Englishman to win his spot back, given the quality signings made at the back, but Lucumi’s arrival would likely demote O’Nien to cup duties.
Nectarios Triantis
Australian defender Nectarios Triantis has become a forgotten man at the Stadium of Light, having arrived in 2023.
After a loan spell at Hibernian in Scotland, Triantis was hoping to stay and fight for his place in Regis Le Bris’ side for their Premier League return.
However, with every signing the Black Cats make, the chances of the Australian getting into the French manager’s plans get less likely.
Lucumi’s arrival would almost certainly signal the end of Triantis’ time in England, with Hibs wanting him back after his loan spell.
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