Sunderland fringe quartet set to leave as Florent Ghisolfi eyes late transfer breakthrough
Sunderland could move on four fringe players before the deadline, potentially creating further room for Florent Ghisolfi to strengthen Régis Le Bris’ squad
Sunderland could clear significant space around Régis Le Bris’ wider squad on deadline day, with Simon Adingra, Alan Browne, Abdoullah Ba and Hemir all expected to leave the Stadium of Light.
None of the four are currently expected to play a significant first-team role. For Florent Ghisolfi, moving them on would trim the wider squad, reduce salary commitments and potentially create more room for late business before the 11pm deadline.
Adingra is the most significant situation. Ajax are closing in on a season-long loan for the 24-year-old winger, with reports in the Netherlands suggesting the overall cost to the Amsterdam club will be around £3.3million, including the loan payment and Adingra’s salary. Ajax would also hold an option to buy worth approximately £13.7million.
Given Sunderland have spent the closing weeks of the window actively trying to sign another winger, Adingra leaving would surely increase the expectation that Ghisolfi brings another attacker in. He joined Sunderland from Brighton for around £20.5million last summer before spending the second half of the season at Monaco.
Browne, meanwhile, is expected to return permanently to Preston North End. The 31-year-old spent a decade at Deepdale before joining Sunderland on a free transfer in 2024, while Blackburn Rovers have also shown interest this summer. No transfer fee has yet been reliably reported.
The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.
Ba could also depart permanently, with Turkish side Sivasspor still a possible destination. The 23-year-old had been close to joining Peterborough United earlier in the window before that move collapsed, and Sunderland remain open to finding him a permanent exit. Hemir is also expected to leave after returning from a loan spell at Moreirense, who decided against activating their purchase option earlier this summer. No destination has yet emerged strongly enough to suggest a deal is close.
The biggest intrigue surrounds what follows Adingra out of the door. Sunderland have been working hard on wide attacking additions, and clearing four players who sit outside Le Bris’ immediate plans would give Ghisolfi a cleaner squad and greater flexibility for one final push.