Sunderland get Chris Mepham answer as Bournemouth make official announcement
Sunderland are well underway in preparing their squad for their first season of Premier League football in eight years.
The Black Cats may have already lost Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund, but they are now turning their attention to potential incoming players who can help them in their quest for Premier League survival.
Chris Mepham is a player the Mackems wants to bring in on a permanent basis after his successful loan spell last season.
However, Mepham has since returned to Bournemouth and the Premier League side have now made an announcement on the centre-back.
Bournemouth confirm Mepham contract extension
Bournemouth officially announced via their website on Monday (9 June) that they have activated an option to extend Mepham’s contract at the Vitality Stadium.
This development means that the 27-year-old defender is now tied to the Premier League club until the summer of 2026.
The announcement puts an end to speculation that Mepham could have been available on a free transfer or at a significantly reduced price this summer.
His previous deal was set to expire in June 2025, but Bournemouth’s decision to trigger the extension now means any interested party, including Sunderland, will have to pay a transfer fee if they wish to acquire his services.
Sunderland must pay if they want permanent Mepham deal
For Sunderland, this announcement signifies a shift in their potential pursuit of Mepham.
While the Mackems may still hold an interest in the defender, they will now need to factor in a transfer fee, rather than a Bosman or nominal sum.
This could impact their overall transfer budget and force them to reassess their options.
The Black Cats have been keen to add experienced players to their relatively young squad, and Mepham certainly fits that profile.
His ability to play both centre-back and, at times, right-back would provide valuable depth and leadership to the club as they attempted to survive in the Premier League
Joining on deadline day of the summer transfer window, Mepham quickly became a key figure for the Black Cats, making 40 appearances in all.
| Club | Appearances | Goals |
| Sunderland | 40 | 1 |
He played a significant role in Sunderland’s promotion success, featuring prominently in their Championship season and making a crucial contribution in the play-off semi-final and final.
His composure and leadership qualities were often praised by staff and teammates alike, and he became a popular figure among the fanbase.
It remains to be seen whether Sunderland’s hierarchy will be prepared to meet Bournemouth’s valuation for a player who, while experienced, is not a guaranteed starter for the Premier League side.
This development could prompt Sunderland to explore alternative defensive targets or negotiate a structured deal for Mepham, should they decide to press ahead with their interest.
The focus now shifts to how Kristjaan Speakman and the recruitment team will respond to this latest update from the south coast.