After a stellar first season back in the second tier fuelled by young, top flight loanees, Sunderland have gone for a more permanent approach this time around.
The Black Cats secured Jack Clarke’s signature at the start of 2022/23, after the winger impressed massively on a temporary deal from Tottenham Hotspur.
Ellis Simms arrived on loan from Everton for half the season, and Joe Gelhardt also joined from Leeds United to bolster the ranks in the striking department.
Edouard Michut added French flair to the engine room from Paris Saint-Germain, but it was Amad Diallo, the Manchester United youngster, who became the darling of the north-east.
Daniel Ballard and Aji Alese were defensive additions from Arsenal and West Ham United respectively, adding further youthful exuberance to an exciting project that was brewing under Tony Mowbray.
Fast-forward to this term, and the Wearside outfit were at it again with their signings from leagues above them in stature.
Nathan Bishop came in from Manchester United to rival Anthony Patterson in net, while Luis Semedo and Jenson Seelt were impressive coups from Benfica and PSV Eindhoven, and Timothee Pembele was the most recent capture from the French capital, with the right-back graduating through the PSG academy.
Mason Burstow was Sunderland’s only Premier League loanee, with the Black Cats presumably afraid of the chaos of the recall that many top clubs had began to abuse mid-season, derailing the loan club’s campaign by usually ripping one of their standout players out of their well-oiled system.
But now, with Sunderland’s play-off hopes dwindling, they look set for a summer of improvement and the potential loss of a couple of key names, with top clubs circling some of their star assets.
Here, FLW takes a peek at which Premier League players might be available to bring some top-division know-how to the young group at the Stadium of Light.
| Realistic Premier League targets | |
|---|---|
| Player | Current club |
| Amad Diallo | Manchester United |
| Nat Phillips | Cardiff City (on loan from Liverpool) |
| Tim Iroegbunam | Aston Villa |
| Divin Mubama | West Ham United |
| Matheus Franca | Crystal Palace |
Issa Kabore
Beginning the defensive lineup is full-back Kabore, who has earned his debut in the Premier League with newcomers Luton Town on loan from Manchester City.
The Burkina Faso international has played a significant role in the top flight as Luton Town aims to retain their Premier League status. If Kabore cannot secure a permanent move away, he is likely to leave Manchester City on loan again.
Regardless of whether West Bromwich Albion remains in the same division for the next campaign, they will need additional competition at right-back after Pipa returns to Ludogorets. Kabore would bring an attacking flair to the right-hand side, complementing Darnell Furlong throughout the season.
Willy Kambwala
Completing the defensive lineup is Manchester United’s Kambwala, who has transitioned to first-team action at Old Trafford following a three-year stint in the Red Devils’ youth academy.
The talented 19-year-old made his Premier League debut in December 2023 against West Ham under Erik ten Hag and has since gained more minutes in the top flight as he continues to develop his skills.
There is potential for Albion to pursue a loan deal for Kambwala, especially as he is currently lower in the pecking order at Manchester United. Such a move would be advantageous, particularly if West Brom remains in the Championship next season. Kambwala, a French youth international, would benefit from valuable playing time in a competitive division and could further develop a winning mindset under Corberan, especially as the club aims for promotion.
With contracts set to expire for Cedric Kipre, Erik Pieters, and Martin Kelly this summer, West Bromwich Albion will also require additional options in central defense.
Han-Noah Massengo
Massengo, a highly regarded young midfielder, has had limited opportunities in the Premier League since his transfer to Burnley from Bristol City last summer.
The 22-year-old initially joined Bristol City at 18 and accumulated 99 appearances at Ashton Gate before moving to Turf Moor. Despite his potential, Massengo has seen limited playing time under Vincent Kompany at Burnley.
A loan deal to West Bromwich Albion could be beneficial for both parties. The Baggies have several midfielders nearing the end of their contracts, including Alex Mowatt, Nathaniel Chalobah, and Yann M’Vila, who may depart if new agreements are not reached. Massengo’s experience in the division from a young age and his stint at a Premier League club demonstrate his quality and potential for success at the highest level.
A move to B71 could provide Massengo with the opportunity to reignite his career and contribute significantly to West Brom’s midfield.
Cesare Casadei
Next on the list is midfielder Casadei, who is currently part of Chelsea’s squad. The Italian had a short spell in the first half of this season with Leicester City, where he made 22 appearances in the second tier and scored two goals.
Despite his time at Leicester, the 21-year-old has struggled to secure a regular starting position since returning to Stamford Bridge during the January transfer window. Chelsea may opt to loan him out again in the summer.
Given West Brom’s potential midfield gaps, Casadei could serve as an alternative to Massengo, bringing valuable Championship experience to the squad.
Divin Mubama
West Ham’s academy product Mubama has faced challenges in earning regular first-team opportunities at the London Stadium, having only featured three times in the Premier League last season under David Moyes.
With current loanees Andi Weimann and Callum Marshall expected to return to Bristol City and West Ham, respectively, there will be openings in the squad to fill the void left by the absence of American international Daryl Dike for the remainder of 2024.
FLW examines Rekeem Harper’s career trajectory following his breakthrough at West Bromwich Albion.
Mubama demonstrated his prowess while playing for West Ham’s Premier League 2 team in the 2022/23 season, scoring an impressive 13 goals in 20 youth matches. This highlighted his consistent ability to find the back of the net.
The 19-year-old’s chances of securing regular first-team opportunities and building the necessary confidence to become a key player in Corberan’s frontline will largely depend on whether West Brom secures promotion to the Premier League or not.
Mubama is eager to make an impact during his first loan spell and would bring a fearless attacking mentality to West Brom’s lineup, which could prove valuable at crucial moments throughout the season.
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