Sunderland Join The Race For This Championship Defender: Why They Must Step Up The Chase | OneFootball

In an exclusive report, Express Sport has shared an update on the growing interest in Japhet Tanganga. The former Tottenham Hotspur defender has revived his career in the Championship with Millwall and, therefore, emerged as a summer target for Sunderland. But they are not alone in the hunt, as the FA Cup winners Crystal Palace, along with fellow promoted outfits Leeds United and Burnley, are also keeping close tabs on the situation.

The 26-year-old former England youth international progressed through Spurs’ academy ranks. Despite being labelled as one of the most promising names at youth level, Tanganga failed to cement a regular first-team role due to persistent injury problems. He made 50 senior appearances for his boyhood side before being loaned out to Augsburg in September 2023.

However, he was not at all involved by the Bundesliga side, and the Lilywhites loaned him out to Millwall for the second half of the 2023-24 season. The Lions snapped him up on a Bosman upon being released by the North London giants, but they could lose him this summer, considering a minuscule £1.2m release clause in his contract.

DERBY, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22: Japhet Tanganga of Millwall is challenged by Jerry Yates of Derby County during the Sky Bet Championship match between Derby County FC and Millwall FC at Pride Park on February 22, 2025 in Derby, England. (Photo by Cameron Smith/Getty Images)

Why Crystal Palace Are In The Mix For Tanganga

The versatile defensive ace is not only comfortable in deep defence but also as a right fullback. His physicality and aggressive style of play helped him attune to the grind and demands of the Championship, with 43 appearances this season across competitions. The South-East Londoners narrowly missed out on a playoff place finish, yet his resolute defending caught the eyes of the top-flight teams.

Crystal Palace, being London hotshots, hold an edge over Sunderland. But his switch to Selhurst Park depends on Marc Guehi’s future, as Chelsea are willing to re-sign the Three Lions international. The Eagles are also assessing Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande, who would cost around £45m. Having said that, the Ivorian centre-half has several suitors in Europe, and a move for Tanganga could be a smart piece of business for his unusually small valuation as well as Premier League experience.

Why Sunderland Must Step Up The Chase

Nevertheless, the Black Cats could offer a more ambitious project to the Englishman, keeping him central to their defensive setup. Luke O’Nien and Daniel Ballard made significant strides in deep defence under Regis Le Bris. But their lack of Premier League experience highlights the necessity of having a familiar name in the heart of the backline.

Chris Mepham had a productive loan spell en route to scripting promotion; however, Sunderland might fail to land the Bournemouth defender for a second successive season amid strong rumours of his potential Sheffield United transfer. Leo Hjelde is not viewed as a first-team starter, and a move to Wearside should earn the Millwall ace assured gametime at the Stadium of Light.