Sunderland hired Regis Le Bris as manager in the summer. (Credit: Imago)
Sunderland hired Regis Le Bris as manager in the summer. (Credit: Imago)
Match

Sunderland exit nailed on for 'fed-up' defender who won't be missed by Regis Le Bris

Jack Dawson
Jack Dawson

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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Sunderland are expected to have a busy transfer window with multiple arrivals and exits predicted. 

With the playoffs looming, Regis Le Bris is still unaware of his club’s fate next season. 

While the Black Cats’ recent form has been abysmal, there is renewed hope after multiple injured Sunderland stars were spotted back in training.

Nevertheless, no matter if the club are promoted or stays in the Championship, plans for the transfer window will likely be drawn up for both scenarios.

However, it is difficult to see Timothee Pembele staying at the club beyond this summer. 

Le Bris will look to get Sunderland back on form (Credit: Imago)
Le Bris will look to get Sunderland back on form (Credit: Imago)

Timothee Pembele will surely leave Sunderland this summer  

The signing of Pembele in 2023 simply did not work for either party. 

The former PSG defender was expected to be quite the coup for the Black Cats, but just eight appearances later, he was sent back to France on loan.

Back in his homeland, the 22-year-old is in a relegation fight as he looks to guide Le Havre to survival. 

However, with how much the Black Cats have progressed without Pembele this season, it is hard to see where he fits into the squad in the summer. 

In a recent interview, Pembele explained that he was “fed-up” at Sunderland due to his lack of game time.

It therefore seems logical that both parties will officially part in the summer, as Pembele will not want to sit on the bench for another campaign. 

Rigg has attracted suitors in the transfer market (Credit: Imago)
Rigg has attracted suitors in the transfer market (Credit: Imago)

Sunderland needs an excellent window this summer 

The upcoming transfer window is vital for Sunderland, wherever they end up. 

Promotion to the Premier League would likely see a flurry of incomings as they fight to stay in the top-flight. Whereas, if the Black Cats stay down, they will face a battle of trying to keep their best players while also improving the squad. 

However, whatever happens, Le Bris needs to be allowed to get rid of deadwood like Pembele. 

There is no point in the club clinging to players who will never break into the first team.

Hopefully, Sunderland can reshape their squad once again in the transfer window to ensure everyone in it has a chance to break into the starting XI.

Timothee Pembele
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