Sunderland takeover claim addressed as major transfer decision and academy talks emerge – round-up

Sunderland’s ownership group have moved to address fresh takeover speculation, while a major summer transfer decision has also emerged around Lutsharel Geertruida.

Away from the first team, contract talks and academy exits are beginning to take shape as the club prepare for their second Premier League season. Here, we take you through everything you may have missed over the last few days:

Sunderland takeover rumours clarified by club

Sunderland’s ownership group have issued a clear message over their commitment to the club following fresh speculation around a possible sale. A report from Footbiz on Friday claimed that potential investors had been made aware of Sunderland’s availability, with US investment bank Moelis said to have been retained.

Moelis have previously been involved in the sale process at Chelsea. While Sunderland’s owners did not specifically address every element of those claims, they have insisted they remain fully committed to the club and are already planning strongly for next season after securing Premier League safety.

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.

In a statement first given to the i Paper, Sunderland’s ownership group said: “Sunderland AFC’s ownership group remains entirely committed to the Club, excited by a season of immense progress and the scale of the opportunities ahead, the Club is aggressively planning for its second campaign in the Premier League.”

Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is Sunderland’s majority shareholder, holding a 64 per cent stake in the club, with Juan Sartori on the board and holding the remaining 36 per cent. The pair own Sunderland through parent company Mercator, while the club also forms part of their wider sporting interests through Bia Sports Group.

Lutsharel Geertruida transfer reports emerge

According to Sky Sports Germany, Sunderland will not take up their option to sign Lutsharel Geertruida permanently from RB Leipzig this summer.

The Netherlands international joined the Black Cats on loan last summer, with an option-to-buy clause included in the deal. That figure is believed to be in the region of £20million, though Sky Sports Germany have reported it at €23million.

Geertruida has made 27 appearances for Sunderland across all competitions and has played his part in a successful campaign, but he has not been able to nail down a regular starting spot under Régis Le Bris. Le Bris said on Thursday that it was still “too early” to make a decision on Geertruida’s future, but Sky Sports Germany reporter Philip Hinze has since reported that the defender will not remain on Wearside beyond the end of the season.

Sunderland academy developments

Further down the club, Sunderland are also working through several academy and development decisions ahead of the summer. The Black Cats remain in talks with Jack Whittaker over a new deal, while Dan Cameron and Jake Waters are expected to leave when their contracts expire in June. Both will be available on free transfers.

Hebburn Town are interested in Cameron and Waters after sealing promotion to National League North. Both players have previously spent time on loan with the Hornets, and the club are also keen on a possible loan return for Sunderland goalkeeper Isaac Allan.

Allan is under contract at Sunderland for next season, so any move would have to be temporary. Hebburn are unlikely to sign both Cameron and Allan given they are both goalkeepers, meaning a loan move for Allen could depend on whether a deal for Cameron can be agreed.