Sunderland player’s career all but ended after Regis Le Bris comments
Sunderland have recruited heavily in the transfer market so far this summer, but some exits could now follow.
Five new players have arrived at the Stadium of Light this summer, and more could follow as the Black Cats continue to spend to improve their squad.
Sunderland have lost two important players in Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson, and could be set to sanction more exits in this squad rebuild.
Regis Le Bris is aiming to keep them in the Premier League, and has now told several players that they can leave.
Ian Poveda set to leave Sunderland
Ian Poveda joined Sunderland on a free transfer from Leeds United just one year ago, but is now already set to leave after a difficult season.
The 25-year-old hardly featured, making just six appearances last season, and did not play a single minute in the Championship after February.
Speaking via the Sunderland Echo (July 13), Le Bris stated that Poveda, as well as several other senior players who featured in a friendly against South Shields, could all leave.
| Sunderland | Appearances | Minutes played | Goals | Assists |
| Ian Poveda | 6 | 81 | 0 | 0 |
“Yes, absolutely [they can leave],” Le Bris stated of Poveda, Joe Anderson, Nazariy Rusyn, Abdoullah Ba, Jay Matete and Luis Hemir.
“We split the squad with the players who really need to find game time. For the others, it’s fair to say we need to assess their level right now, assess the squad and see after that.”
Sunderland could make small profit on Poveda
Given that Poveda joined for free, any money made from his sale would be a profit, even if this is a minimal fee.
The winger arrived with Championship experience under his belt, but failed to make an impact in his six appearances for Sunderland.
Poveda also struggled at Leeds, failing to score in 30 appearances, and the former Man City youngster may need a fresh start abroad.
Sunderland will aim to sell these cast-out first-teamers to make space for more incomings, as they revamp their squad to be able to compete in the top-flight.
It is clear from Le Bris’ comments that Poveda has no future at Sunderland, and will not even be considered as a backup player next season.
Sign up for the Mackem News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Sunderland AFC news sent straight to your phone.