Sunderland higher-ups will have several decisions to make over the Black Cats’ current players out on loan.
Sunderland currently have several players plying their trade on loan away from Wearside, many of which have had differing levels of success.
It was clear that Regis Le Bris wanted a slim-lined squad for the 2024/25 season, which saw many players, even those that played a part last season, to be moved on this campaign.
Looking at the players away from Sunderland currently on loan, we looked at what Le Bris and Kriatjaan Speakman could decide to do with them next season…
What to do with current Sunderland players on loan in 2024/25
Abdoullah Ba
Abdoullah Ba joined Ligue 2 club USL Dunkerque in January with the hopes to rejuvenate his form and get back into the groove, however, he has not even been named in the first team squad for the French side in four games. His most recent action came on Friday afternoon as he started in a friendly for Dunkerque, only to be replaced shortly after half-time.
It is clear that, with Ba struggling to notch game time in France’s second-tier, he will return this summer still very low down the pecking order in Le Bris’ side, which could ultimately see Sunderland sanction a permanent sale.
Adil Aouchiche
Adil Aouchiche was a surprise departure in the January transfer window, especially considering the lack of depth at the time on the left flank due to injuries.
Fortunately for Sunderland, Aouchiche’s trip to the south coast hasn’t seemed to have hindered his development, with the Frenchman being handed the game time he needs to thrive, having notched five successive starts and bagging a goal against Plymouth Argyle recently.
Hopefully, Le Bris will hand more of a chance for Aouchiche in the 2025/26 season to cement a first-team spot.
Nathan Bishop
Nathan Bishop finds himself on loan at Cambridge, where he has been cemented as the first-team shot-stopper for the side currently battling relegation in League One.
Whilst Bishop is notching regular game time in League One, it is unlikely to see him play a prominent role for Sunderland next season.
Pierre Ekwah
Pierre Ekwah has become a prominent member of a struggling St Etienne side. Results have been difficult, with his side sitting 16th in the table, but the regular game time in one of Europe’s top five leagues will hopefully see him return to Wearside at the end of the season as a much more comfortable player at Championship level.
Zak Johnson
Since joining League Two side Notts County on loan in January, Zak Johnson has notched 446 minutes of action.
Next season, another loan move might be necessary for Johnson to ensure that he can cement regular game time at a decent level.
Jay Matete
Unfortunately for Jay Matete, his spell at Bolton Wanderers has seen his game time somewhat seize up, having only notched 21 minutes of action in the last five league games.
A permanent sale of Matete could be on the cards next season due to the young attacker getting few opportunities recently to prove he is first-team Championship ready.
Timothee Pembele
A move back to Ligue 1 was set to give Timothee Pembele a new lease of life after disappointing at the Stadium of Light but that certainly hasn’t happened.
He has struggled for game time, only being handed his first start in over two months, playing 90 minutes in a 4-2 defeat to Lyon.
Any chance of Pembele being part of Le Bris’ plans next season looks unlikely, and he may be subject to a permanent move away from the club.
Luis Semedo
Portuguese striker Luis Semedo has been handed game time during his spell with the Juventus academy set-up, playing in the Serie C. Unfortunately, he has continued to struggle in Italy, providing two goals and one assist in 26 matches.
Another loan move might be in order, or Speakman may sanction a permanent move for the youngster; either way, it looks unlikely for him to be a first-team Sunderland player next season.
Nectarios Triantis
One of the few players who have a genuine opportunity to become a key player for Sunderland and Le Bris next season is Nectarios Triantis.
The midfielder has been incredible for Hibernian this season and was even described as ‘unbelievable’ after he was handed his first Australia call-up.
Triantis should play a part in Sunderland’s side next season and would be a suitable replacement for Salis Abdul Samed to compete for a place alongside Dan Neil.
Nazariy Rusyn
Nazariy Rusyn has only just moved on loan to Croatian club Hajduk Split, managed by Gennaro Gattuso.
Unfortunately, Rusyn is still yet to notch his first goal for his new side, failing to find the back of the net in six games.
The Ukrainian will have to significantly improve on his spell away from Wearside, otherwise ,it looks as though his future at Sunderland looks unlikely to continue.