‘Regis Le Bris told me…’ – Sunderland manager has already shared update as Arthur Masuaku news breaks
Sunderland are close to completing the signing of former West Ham star Arthur Masuaku.
Regis Le Bris is keen to add Premier League experience to his squad ahead of the Black Cats’ return after an eight-year absence.
He has already brought Granit Xhaka back to England after his tremendous spell with Bayer Leverkusen, in which he was part of the unbeaten Bundesliga-winning side.
However, if Masuaku is signed as a free agent, it will raise big questions over the existing left-back options at the Stadium of Light.
Le Bris has already clarified the situation amid Masuaku links
The Mackems already have Dennis Cirkin and the new addition Reinildo to call upon on the left side of defence.
However, a report from Fabrizio Romano claims that Masuaku is set to sign a two-year contract on Wearside with a medical taking place.
BBC Radio Newcastle reporter Nick Barnes shared that Le Bris has already shared his plans for the left-back position.
In a reply to a post on X (8 August), he said: “Regis Le Bris told me post Betis that Reinildo is predominantly going to play left-back but that he will fill in on occasion as a centre-back if needed.”
Masuaku would be an extra depth piece for Sunderland
At the elite level, it is important to have depth in every position, and if Reinildo is called into centre-back in an emergency, that would leave just Cirkin at left-back at the moment.
Masuaku would be a great option, as he has significant experience in the top-flight, making 105 appearances in the division for the Hammers between 2016 and 2023.
With the gap between the newly-promoted teams and the established sides being at an all-time high, Sunderland need every advantage that they can get in their attempts to stay up.
The ex-Irons ace can also play at right-back and at the heart of the defence, although he has significantly more time on the left flank, so he would be a valuable pick-up for the SR5 outfit.
Kristjaan Speakman and Co still need to do more business to have the best chance of survival, but it has been a brilliant start, and Masuaku would continue the promising window as it is a low-risk move.
Ultimately, the recruitment team will be judged on results on the pitch and whether the Black Cats can stay at the top table, but on paper, they have done an excellent job.
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