Sunderland owners address sale talk, Geertruida ‘to leave’, academy talks ongoing | OneFootball

Sunderland’s owners have reaffirmed their commitment amid fresh takeover speculation, while a decision on Lutsharel Geertruida and a series of academy calls have emerged. The team have already secured Premier League safety.

Footbiz claimed the club had been circulated to potential investors, with US bank Moelis retained, a firm previously involved in Chelsea’s sale. The club said in a statement that the ownership group remains fully committed and is planning aggressively for a second Premier League campaign.

Kyril Louis-Dreyfus holds 64 per cent and Juan Sartori 36 per cent via Mercator, with the club part of their Bia Sports Group portfolio.

Sky Sports Germany reports Sunderland will not activate their option to sign Geertruida permanently. The clause was believed to be about £20 million, with the outlet putting it at €23 million. He has made 27 appearances, though has not nailed down a regular starting place under Régis Le Bris, who said on Thursday it was still too early to decide.

Talks continue with Jack Whittaker over a new deal, while Dan Cameron and Jake Waters are expected to depart when their contracts expire in June.

Hebburn Town, newly promoted to National League North, are interested in Cameron and Waters and also in a loan return for goalkeeper Isaac Allan. Allan is contracted for next season, so any switch would be temporary, and a move for the goalkeeper could hinge on whether a deal for Cameron is struck.

Source: Sunderland Echo