Massive Sunderland Transfer U-Turn As Summer Signing Faces Stadium Of Light Exit: Is It Time For The Black Cats To Part Ways? | OneFootball

Fresh reports from Turkey indicate that Arthur Masuaku’s representatives actively sought a move for the Sunderland defender. However, they faced immediate rejection. According to Günebakış, a media outlet based in Trabzon, the player’s agents proposed the DR Congo international to Trabzonspor ahead of the winter window.

The publication’s headline, ‘Decision Made’, leaves little room for interpretation regarding the club’s stance. Trabzonspor officials reviewed the offer. They quickly decided against going after the former Beşiktaş man.

Arthur Masuaku’s representatives actively sought a move for the Sunderland defender

Consequently, the Süper Lig side left Masuaku off their January transfer shortlist. This development leaves the 32-year-old in a tough spot at the Stadium of Light. Since arriving in August 2025 on a free transfer, the left-back has struggled to find a regular spot in Régis Le Bris’s starting eleven. Statistics tell a disappointing story. Masuaku has played in only four matches across all competitions. He has managed just 217 minutes on the pitch.

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 21: Arthur Masuaku of Sunderland on the ball during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Aston Villa at Stadium of Light on September 21, 2025 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

The player is desperate to get match-fit for DR Congo’s big World Cup qualifiers in March. So, his camp is hunting hard for other options. However, this specific door to a Turkish return has slammed shut. His agency must now look elsewhere for a solution.

Analysis: Sunderland must cut ties immediately

Sunderland have a simple choice to make here. The club need to help Masuaku move on as soon as possible. The club initially saw his signing as a smart way to add Premier League experience. However, the move has not worked out on the pitch.

Le Bris clearly prefers other options on the left flank. This makes Masuaku an extra player the team don’t really need. Keeping a frustrated high-earner on the payroll makes no sense for a club trying to stay stable.

Furthermore, the player’s own drive to leave works out well for everyone. Masuaku needs minutes to captain his national team. Meanwhile, Sunderland need to free up wages for younger, more energetic players. Keeping him around helps nobody.

If Trabzonspor won’t go ahead, the Black Cats should look for offers from other Süper Lig clubs. They could also reach out to teams in France where Masuaku played well before. A quick split is the best way forward. Alternatively, they could try a loan deal with a requirement to buy later. Sunderland must end this failed experiment now. This will keep it from turning into a distraction during the second half of the season.