Sunderland owners address takeover talk as Geertruida 'not to be signed permanently' and academy talks continue | OneFootball

Sunderland’s ownership group have moved to address takeover talk, saying they remain committed to the club and are already planning for a second Premier League season after safety was secured.

Footbiz reported on Friday that potential investors had been told Sunderland was available, with US bank Moelis retained for exploratory work. The club said in a statement that the owners are committed and excited by the progress and opportunities ahead.

Majority shareholder Kyril Louis-Dreyfus holds 64 percent, with Juan Sartori owning the remaining 36 percent. They control the club through Mercator, and Sunderland also sits within their Bia Sports Group portfolio.

Sky Sports Germany claims Sunderland will not take up their option to sign Lutsharel Geertruida permanently from RB Leipzig this summer. The clause is understood to be around £20 million, with the outlet reporting a €23 million figure. The Netherlands international has made 27 appearances but has not secured a regular starting place under Régis Le Bris.

The club are progressing academy and development calls. 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, leaving as free agents. 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 under contract for next season, so any switch would be temporary. Hebburn are unlikely to bring in both Cameron and Allan given both are goalkeepers, so a move for the keeper could depend on whether a deal for Cameron is agreed.

Source: Sunderland Echo