Sunderland summer arrival tipped for swift exit amid fresh transfer claims from Turkey – reports
Fresh reports claim a recent Sunderland signing is already open to a January move away after limited game time
Sunderland defender Arthur Masuaku is reportedly open to a return to former club Beşiktaş in January, according to reports in Turkey.
The 32-year-old only arrived on Wearside in August but has struggled for game time under head coach Régis Le Bris during the first months of the Premier League season. Masuaku signed a two-year contract with Sunderland in August after leaving the Turkish Super Lig side at the end of the previous campaign.
However, Turkish outlet Haberler claim the left-back has already informed his representatives that he would consider leaving the Stadium of Light during the winter transfer window if an opportunity arises. The report states Masuaku has remained in regular contact with former Beşiktaş teammates and would be open to returning should the Istanbul club make a formal approach.
The full-back has made just three Premier League appearances for Sunderland so far this season, and has not registered a goal or assist across those outings. With competition for places strong following a busy summer of recruitment on Wearside, Masuaku has found opportunities limited and is yet to establish himself in Le Bris’ starting XI.
Masuaku’s name is well known across European football following spells in England, Turkey and Greece. After beginning his career with Valenciennes and Olympiacos, he joined West Ham United in August 2016 in a deal worth around £6.2million. He made his Premier League debut shortly after in a 2–1 defeat at Chelsea, and went on to make 75 appearances for the Hammers.
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The DR Congo international scored twice during his time in east London, including a long-range strike in the EFL Cup and a memorable mishit cross that found the top corner in a 3–2 win over Chelsea in December 2021. His spell also included a six-match suspension in 2018 after being sent off for spitting at Wigan Athletic’s Nick Powell in an FA Cup tie, an incident Masuaku publicly apologised for at the time.
In August 2022 he left for Beşiktaş on loan, a move that was later made permanent in April 2023. Masuaku played regularly in Turkey and featured in domestic and European competition before the club confirmed his departure on 30 June 2025. Sunderland secured his signature weeks later as part of their first Premier League squad rebuild following promotion.
The Turkish club have undergone significant change since his departure, including in recruitment and coaching staff, but are believed to be assessing defensive options ahead of the January window. For now, the 32-year-old remains under contract on Wearside until 2027 and part of Le Bris’ wider squad. Whether any formal approach arrives from Turkey over the coming weeks remains to be seen.
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