Chris Mepham is set for a surprise loan switch to Sunderland this afternoon.
The Black Cats hadn’t been linked with any central defenders this summer, while it was arguably the right-back position that had looked in need of some TLC.
However, Sunderland’s pursuit of Mepham came out of nowhere today and he is now set for a medical on Wearside ahead of his loan move from Bournemouth.
The 26-year-old’s arrival comes in the wake of Aji Alese’s injury, with the centre-back set for a spell on the sidelines.
Alese had impressed in the opening three fixtures, but Regis Le Bris confirmed yesterday that he had picked up an ankle injury.
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BBC Sport issue Aji Alese injury update
The Frenchman was unsure on the severity and believed he could be out for 2-4 weeks, but it now looks like things could be much worse.
According to BBC Sport Tyne & Wear, the signing of Mepham is due to Alese’s injury being ‘worse than first thought’.
Assuming that means he will be sidelined for longer than Le Bris’ initial four-week estimate, it means Alese could well be out of action for over 15 months in total since joining Sunderland in 2022.
Sunderland can’t rely on Alese anymore
The West Ham academy product was gifted a new contract earlier this year, with the hope that his injury woes were over.
However, they clearly remain a huge problem and it will make getting back into the team extremely difficult for Alese.
The arrival of Mepham is certainly a very solid replacement though, with the Bournemouth man holding Premier League, Championship and promotion experience.
He will only be on Wearside for the season, but it will be interesting to see how Alese handle their central defender situation next summer if Alese remains out for a while.
The Black Cats could face a huge dilemma because they definitely can’t rely on the 23-year-old, but he is such an unbelievable talent with bags of potential.