2025 has so far been a blistering year for Sunderland, who beat promotion rivals Sheffield United on New Year’s Day in a thrilling game on Wearside.
Sunderland were expected to struggle at home to Sheffield United in their opening game of 2025, especially so after the Blades beat Sunderland 1-0 in the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign.
But this time, it was Regis Le Bris’ side who came out on top. Sunderland beat Sheffield United 2-1 in what was one of their best performances of the season so far, with Eliezer Mayenda earning praise for scoring and assisting the other goal on the night.
For the Black Cats, their focus and attention must be split between the upcoming league matches, and the January transfer window.
The market is open for business and the Black Cats look to be in need of one or two new faces, to ensure they have the tools needed to maintain their promotion push.
One name linked of late is Glen Kamara.
Door now open for Sunderland to sign Glen Kamara at Rennes
In the build up to January, Sunderland have been linked with Kamara at Rennes. The Finnish international reached the Championship play-off final with Leeds United last season, then sealing an £8.4million move to Ligue 1 after just one season at Elland Road.
It’s thought that he has quite widespread interest in England, with teams in the Premier League also being linked. Before the New Year, it was reported that Ipswich Town and Southampton fancied Kamara.
Now, the door may be open for Ipswich, Southampton, and of course Sunderland to swoop in for Kamara, who’s become a bit part player this season having made just two substitute appearances in Rennes’ last four games, with 13 league appearances to his name in 2024/25.
On New Year’s Day, Renes completed the reported £16.5million signing of midfielder Sekou Fofana from Al-Nassr. A recent report from French outlet SCORE.FR has revealed that Rennes want to ‘remodel’ their midfield, hinting that Kamara is all but gone following the arrival of Fofana.
Regis Le Bris’ January loan hint amid Glen Kamara links to Sunderland
For Sunderland, Kamara joining would have to be on loan. They couldn’t afford the deal with Rennes likely to want to recoup what they paid for him.
A loan deal seems possible and it would be a good one for the Black Cats, with Kamara an experienced player, also showing his Championship quality at Leeds last time round.
But Le Bris seems to be focused on Premier League loan signings. He recently told The Northern Echo that the Premier League is ‘absolutely’ a market that the club is focussed on right now.
Le Bris added: “It’s a good market and good targets. But it’s the same idea, we need good quality and good connection with the team so it’s not easy to find.”
Whilst the door is wide open for Sunderland to swoop in for Kamara, loan deals for young Premier League players seems much more likely.