Sunderland AFC has been active in the loan market during the 2024/25 season, sending out a number of players in both the summer and January transfer windows to gain valuable first-team experience. Some have impressed in their temporary spells, while others have struggled to make an impact. Here’s a detailed look at how Sunderland’s loanees have been performing across various leagues.
Summer 2024 Loan Departures
Pierre Ekwah (Saint-Étienne – Ligue 1, France)
Pierre Ekwah made a loan switch to French club Saint-Étienne last summer, with an option for the club to buy him for £6 million at the end of the season. Initially, the French midfielder seemed to be settling in well, earning a regular starting role in Ligue 1. However, recent months have seen a dip in his performances.
Ekwah has featured in 18 league matches for Saint-Étienne, but his displays have been described as lacking consistency, pace, and dynamism. French journalist Laurent Hass criticized Ekwah’s contributions, labeling his performances as “monotone” and questioning why he remains a regular starter despite the team’s struggles. Saint-Étienne are currently battling relegation, which could impact their decision on whether to activate the purchase clause in his loan agreement.
Sunderland do not appear to have Ekwah in their long-term plans, and if Saint-Étienne decide against signing him permanently, the Black Cats may look to offload him elsewhere in the summer.
Nectarios Triantis (Hibernian – Scottish Premiership, Scotland)
One of Sunderland’s standout loanees this season, Australian defender Nectarios Triantis has been excelling at Hibernian. This is his second consecutive loan spell with the Edinburgh-based club, and he has continued to develop well.
Triantis has made 20 appearances so far, contributing two goals and three assists from the backline. His performances have been so strong that there is now talk of him earning a senior call-up to the Australian national team. Given his success in Scotland, Sunderland will have to decide whether to reintegrate him into their squad next season or consider a permanent transfer elsewhere.
Timothée Pembélé (Le Havre – Ligue 1, France)
Pembélé joined Le Havre on loan to get more first-team football, but his impact has been somewhat limited. While he has made nine appearances in all competitions, he has been an unused substitute in several recent league matches.
One of his most notable moments came in the Coupe de France, where he played the full 90 minutes in an upset defeat against lower-tier opposition. With his game time inconsistent, it remains to be seen whether Pembélé will return to Sunderland in the summer or seek another move.
Jay Matete (Bolton Wanderers – League One, England)
Matete has been an integral part of Bolton’s squad, making 32 appearances across all competitions. Despite managerial changes at the club, he has maintained his spot in midfield and has been a consistent performer in League One.
His performances have helped Bolton remain in the hunt for promotion, and if he continues to impress, he could have a role to play at Sunderland next season. Alternatively, a permanent move to Bolton or another Championship club could be on the cards.
Matty Young (Salford City – League Two, England)
The young goalkeeper has enjoyed a solid campaign at Salford City, featuring in 17 games. One of his most impressive achievements has been keeping six consecutive clean sheets in league action.
Young has also gained valuable experience in the FA Cup, featuring in a high-profile match against Premier League opposition. Sunderland will be monitoring his progress closely to determine if he could be a future first-team option.
January 2025 Loan Departures
Nazariy Rusyn (Hajduk Split – Croatian First League, Croatia)
Ukrainian forward Nazariy Rusyn joined Croatian side Hajduk Split in January in search of more playing time. His debut was promising, as he registered an assist in his first appearance in early February.
Sunderland will hope he continues to build on this start, as a strong loan spell could either boost his chances of a return to the first team or increase his market value for a potential transfer.
Adil Aouchiche (Portsmouth – Championship, England)
Aouchiche moved to Portsmouth in the January window and has featured three times in the Championship so far. Although he has yet to start a match, Portsmouth fans have been encouraged by his performances from the bench.
The attacking midfielder will be looking to earn a starting spot as the season progresses. If he can make a strong impression, Sunderland may have a decision to make regarding his future in the summer.
Abdoullah Ba (Dunkerque – Ligue 2, France)
Ba was another January departure, moving to Dunkerque in the French second division. His main goal is to gain consistent first-team experience, as he was struggling for minutes at Sunderland.
There is little information available on his performances so far, but this loan will be crucial in determining his long-term prospects at the Stadium of Light.
Nathan Bishop (Cambridge United – League One, England)
After an unsuccessful loan spell at Wycombe Wanderers in the first half of the season, Bishop was recalled and sent to Cambridge United in January.
Sunderland hopes that this new opportunity will allow the goalkeeper to get more playing time and develop further. If he can establish himself as a regular starter, it could boost his chances of earning a spot in Sunderland’s first-team squad in the future.
Conclusion
Sunderland’s loan strategy has had mixed results so far this season. Players like Nectarios Triantis and Jay Matete are making strong cases for a future at the club, while others like Pierre Ekwah and Timothée Pembélé have struggled to make an impact.
With some of these loans including buy options, Sunderland may see a few departures in the summer. However, for those who impress, there could be an opportunity to reintegrate into the first-team squad under manager Regis Le Bris.
As the season progresses, these loan spells will be key in shaping Sunderland’s squad decisions for the 2025/26 campaign.