(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
Transfers

Sunderland star who hasn't been seen by Regis Le Bris finally set for transfer

Alex Charlton
Alex Charlton

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

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Sunderland possess several players who will play no part in their Premier League journey.

Over the summer, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus spent more money than ever before on Wearside, with Habib Diarra a record signing at the Stadium of Light.

Since the start of the season, Regis Le Bris has fielded a new look side, with just a handful of the old guard seeing action.

Now, one player is primed for a Sunderland exit, and a potential destination has already been lined up.

Sunderland midfielder Habib Diarra holds his hand above his head in celebration.
(Credit: Imago)

Timothee Pembele wants to leave Sunderland for France

Pembele spent last season on loan with Le Havre AC, but remained at the Stadium of Light past the summer transfer window.

The defender, like a host of others, was expected to leave Wearside, given the influx of players and the lack of impact he has made for the North East club.

Now, it appears that his exit is only a matter of time after the latest reports about his future.

Pembele wants to swap Sunderland for France and is eyeing a return to Le Havre, according to SportsBoom on 2 October.

Sunderland badge at the Stadium of Light
(Credit: Imago)

The publication adds that the right-back was told he could leave in the summer, although that never came to fruition.

Timothee Pembele's spell on Wearside never took off

During pre-season, Le Bris said Pembele was nowhere to be seen as the Black Cats prepared for life in the Premier League.

As expected, Le Bris didn't name the former PSG man in his squad for the season, meaning he has remained absent.

The 23-year-old joined Sunderland in the summer of 2023, but only made eight Championship appearances that campaign.

However, Pembele saw much more action while on loan with Le Havre, making 20 appearances in Ligue 1 and scoring a decisive goal that led to them achieving safety.

  • The right-back helped his side keep two clean sheets
  • He won 57 per cent of his ground duels
  • Pembele won 42 per cent of his aerial duels

With the exit door open for Pembele, it is now up to Le Havre and any other interested parties to secure a deal.

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Timothee Pembele
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