Sunderland AFC should push for fresh transfer deal with south coast club | OneFootball

An impressive loan spell with Sunderland makes a permanent transfer difficult to complete

Whilst Sunderland’s full focus is on the battle for automatic promotion out of the Championship, the Black Cats would be wise to think ahead to their summer business.

The winter transfer window may have only recently closed, but Sunderland already need to think about securing key members of their current squad.

Since arriving on loan from Premier League outfit AFC Bournemouth, Chris Mepham has installed himself as a central figure for Régis Le Bris’ Sunderland side.

However, the 47-time Welsh international has only seen his stock rise this season, potentially leading Sunderland to a fight to secure his permanent signature.

Chris Mepham has found his desired game time at Sunderland

Mepham has clearly relished the opportunity of regular gametime, having often been left out of the Bournemouth team under numerous managers.

Although Mepham is not one to grumble about playing time, he once again found himself on the outside looking in when Andoni Iraola was installed as Bournemouth head coach in the summer of 2023.

Mepham has long made it clear that one of his biggest aims in football is to reach 100 caps for Wales, but with stiff competition at centre-half from Leeds duo Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu, the defender requires consistent game time.

That was the major reason behind his loan departure from Vitality Stadium in the summer, with the centre-back going onto claim a starting berth at Sunderland so far this campaign.

In fact, Mepham’s performances at the back have left Sunderland fans clamouring for his permanent signature.

But despite the fact that the Welshman’s Bournemouth deal technically expires this summer, Cherries have the option to retain Mepham’s services for another season, thanks to a clause in his contract.

That hurdle will have to be navigated by the Black Cats, who cannot afford for a Championship rival to strike a deal with Bournemouth in the summer.

Chris Mepham could be key figure for Sunderland in Premier League

Of course, it is slightly difficult to plan for next season when you do not know what division you will be in.

At the time of writing, Sunderland are locked in a four-way race for one of two automatic promotion spots.

But no matter what division Sunderland find themselves in next campaign, Mepham’s involvement would be a huge boost.

Having proven his Championship pedigree during his loan spell at the Stadium of Light, Mepham also boasts experience in surviving a relegation battle in the Premier League.

After being frozen out of the squad by Scott Parker in the Championship, Mepham’s early season form for Gary O’Neil’s side during the 2022/23 Premier League season saw the Welshman handed a new contract.

Mepham went on to make 26 appearances as Bournemouth beat the drop, despite being heavy favourites to go down.

The defender’s calming presence has already been noted by those involved at Sunderland, which is another reason that the Black Cats need to keep Mepham on Wearside.

AFC Bournemouth have a track record of selling to Championship clubs

Since returning to the Premier League in 2022, Bournemouth have been slowly revamping their squad to progress up the league table.

That has led to more than a few causalities, with plenty of players recruited during their last Championship stint shown the door.

Joe Rothwell and Jaidon Anthony are into their second loan spells away from the club, with the former at Leeds United whilst the latter is temporarily at Burnley.

Cherries are also inclined to cut their losses. After serving as second fiddle behind Dominic Solanke, Kieffer Moore was loaned to Ipswich Town last year, before signing for Sheffield United permanently ahead of the current campaign.

Sunderland will hope to draw a parallel to Ben Pearson’s move to Stoke City.

Pearson initially joined the Potters on loan during the 2022/23 season, before making the switch permanent ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

However, Cherries have not been opposed to allowing players to exit on loan in their final year of their contract.

Jamal Lowe was sent to Swansea City on loan before departing Dean Court for nothing last summer, for example.

Sunderland must move to make Mepham first capture of the summer

As per Mackems sporting director Kristjaan Speakman, Sunderland already plan to hold talks with Bournemouth in the summer.

Even if they are unable to extend Mepham’s loan, they will be in a strong negotiating position thanks to the centre-back's happiness with his spell at Sunderland.

Bournemouth will not be in a position to command a huge fee for the Welshman, leaving the ball in Sunderland’s court.

By securing Mepham’s future early into the window, Sunderland would ensure continuity at the back no matter what division they find themselves in next campaign. It's a deal that renegotiating has to be a priority.