Sunderland transfer latest: Robin Roefs and Wilson Isidor latest as surprise interest emerges – round-up
Interest in Robin Roefs and Wilson Isidor adds fresh twists to Sunderland’s evolving January transfer picture
Sunderland’s January transfer window continues to take shape, with confirmed exits, possible departures and fresh overseas interest all feeding into a fluid end-of-window picture.
The Black Cats have already seen Dan Neil and Arthur Masuaku depart, while goalkeeper Anthony Patterson remains a possible mover should the right opportunity arise.
At the same time, Sunderland have played down suggestions that Eliezer Mayenda could be allowed to leave this month, despite reports linking the young forward with Paris FC. Here, we take you through everything you need to know:
Sunderland striker update – Wilson Isidor and Tammy Abraham talk
New developments from Turkey have also placed Sunderland forward Wilson Isidor on the radar of Beşiktaş, who are actively reshaping their attacking options following the completion of Tammy Abraham’s move to Aston Villa.
Abraham, who had also been linked with Sunderland earlier this window, has now completed his transfer to Villa after Beşiktaş brought forward the purchase element of his loan deal from Roma to facilitate the move. With the striker now returned to the Premier League, the Turkish club have been forced back into the market for a replacement.
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Reports in France claim Beşiktaş have identified Isidor as one of the forwards under consideration and have begun exploratory discussions. At this stage, there has been no indication of whether Sunderland would entertain an approach, nor clarity on what type of offer could be forthcoming.
Given Sunderland’s current league position and the limited time remaining in the window, any move for Isidor would appear unlikely unless a compelling proposal were to arrive. The French forward remains under contract until June 2028, having joined permanently from Zenit Saint Petersburg last January following an initial loan spell. Isidor has made 21 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring four goals, and continues to feature within Régis Le Bris’ attacking plans.
Eliezer Mayenda – Sunderland move to play down Paris FC links
Elsewhere, Sunderland have sought to dampen speculation surrounding Eliezer Mayenda after reports suggested Paris FC were in negotiations to sign the 20-year-old. While Mayenda has seen limited minutes this season, Sunderland continue to view him as a long-term asset rather than a short-term departure.
The forward has made 14 appearances, scoring once, and was a key figure during last season’s promotion run, memorably finding the net at Wembley. The Spanish forward signed a new long-term contract after the club’s promotion last summer
Anthony Patterson – late January decision looms
At the back, Anthony Patterson’s situation remains one to monitor with Millwall still interested. No deal has been agreed, but any late movement would likely force Sunderland into the market for a replacement goalkeeper before the deadline.
A move for Jonas Omlin fell through earlier in the window, leaving Sunderland needing to address that position before sanctioning Patterson’s departure. Whether the Black Ctas will be able to do that before Monday’s transfer deadline remains to be seen.
Robin Roefs – Premier League admirers emerge
One goalkeeper firmly part of Sunderland’s long-term future is Robin Roefs, though that has not prevented surprise interest from emerging. Reports suggest Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring the Dutchman ahead of the summer window after an impressive debut season in the Premier League.
Roefs has already kept seven clean sheets, ranks among the league’s busiest goalkeepers, and made headlines earlier this month by saving all three penalties in Sunderland’s FA Cup shoot-out win over Everton. With uncertainty surrounding Guglielmo Vicario’s future at Tottenham amid interest from Inter Milan, Roefs is said to be one of several options under consideration.
For Sunderland, the priority remains managing the final days of the window with balance. With exits already confirmed, further movement only possible rather than guaranteed, and external interest continuing to circulate, the situation remains one to watch – even if much of the noise remains speculative.