(Credit: Imago/Manh Tung)
(Credit: Imago/Manh Tung)

Jhon Lucumi to Sunderland - Luke O'Nien among winners and losers already

Andrew Beharie

Andrew graduated with a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Sunderland in 2024 and gained his NCTJ Diploma in Journalism in the same year. He has previously covered Blyth Spartans AFC and South Shields FC for the Non-League Paper and worked as head of media at Seaham Red Star FC and Willington Quay Saints FC. Andrew completed the Breaking Media Academy programme before joining Breaking Media permanently in July 2025.

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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.

Jhon Lucumi
Jhon Lucumi could become Sunderland's 13th signing of the summer (Credit: Imago)

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.

InjuryGames missed
Knee2
Ankle7
Muscle4
Hamstring11
Ballard's Championship season was hindered by injury

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.

Dan Ballard in action for Sunderland
Ballard suffered from multiple injuries last season (Credit: Imago)

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.

Robin Roefs playing for Sunderland
Robin Roefs made several saves against West Ham United (Credit: Imago)

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.

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.

Sunderland player Luke O'Nien
Luke O'Nien could see his minutes slashed if Lucumi arrives (Credit: Imago)

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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