This January transfer window harbours a lot of fear for Sunderland who have a horde of players in demand. But right now, it looks as though the club are keeping all their star men for the promotion push.
The list of Sunderland players with top flight interest goes on. Though the big one so far has been Jobe Bellingham who’s been linked with Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund to name a couple.
Elsewhere, academy duo Anthony Patterson and Chris Rigg have had suitors, both having been linked with Manchester United, whilst there’s reported interested in a number of the club’s fringe players.
For all the quality that Sunderland have, there’s a fair bit of deadwood that Kristjaan Speakman may be keen to move on before the window slams shut on February 3rd, with one such player being Nazariy Rusyn.
The 2023 signing from Zorya has again failed to kick on with no goal contributions in eight Championship games in 2024/25, and only a couple of minutes in the league in 2025.
Nazariy Rusyn rejects Sunderland loan exit
Going into the January transfer window, it was widely reported that Rusyn was up for sale. The club were said to be ready to cash in on him, Abdoullah Ba and Adil Aouchiche, though the latter may now be a part of plans at the Stadium of Light.
But an emerging report from Ukrainian outfit Zorya Londonsk has now revealed that the 26-year-old Rusyn had rejected the chance to leave Sunderland and join Scottish outfit Aberdeen on loan for the remainder of the season.
Zorya Londonsk also add that Rusyn is considering his options right now, suggesting that a move in the final two weeks of the January transfer window could be very likely for the out of favour Sunderland man.
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Sunderland set to take huge hit on Nazariy Rusyn
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus spent well on the Ukrainian frontman. At the time, it was reported that Sunderland spent £2.5million on Rusyn, and given how little he’s progressed, it’s inevitable that the club will take a hit on that transfer fee.
Speaking earlier in the season, BBC pundit Nick Barnes predicted that Sunderland won’t get much for Rusyn. But this emerging news of a loan rejection could signal the Black Cats’ intentions to keep Rusyn, who remains under contract until 2027.
On the other hand, though, Rusyn would surely be keen to cut his losses at Sunderland and start a new chapter elsewhere.