(Credit: Imago, Sunderland AFC on YouTube)

Edward Bazeley

Mon 18 August 2025 13:04, UK

Jenson Seelt’s time at Sunderland is over, even though the defender featured in their 3-0 win over West Ham on Saturday.

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The Mackems started their Premier League return impressively, with Dan Ballard attracting praise from Alan Shearer for his goal-line clearance as well as his goal.

Either side of Ballard’s header, both Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor opened their top-flight accounts, having performed well in the Championship last term.

Meanwhile, Sunderland have signed Nordi Mukiele from PSG, but Regis Le Bris is continuing to reshuffle his defensive pack.

Le Bris is having a busy summer transfer window (Credit Imago)

During Sunderland’s win over West Ham, Seelt suffered an injury and was subsequently replaced by Black Cats new boy Omar Alderete.

Le Bris has revealed that the 22-year-old’s injury was not serious, but his Black Cats career has surely run its course.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed via X on Monday, 18 August: “Sunderland submit official bid to Bologna for Colombian centre back Jhon Lucumi.

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“Lucumi keen on joining SAFC project to try new chapter in Premier League.

Bologna want to keep Lucumi after his release clause expired, clear intention not to let him go.”

The centre-back’s willingness to swap Bologna for North East England is likely to make it difficult for the Serie A side to retain his services.

Meanwhile, Sunderland have already signed Reinildo, Alderete, and Mukiele this summer, heavily bolstering their defensive options.

Consequently, Le Bris must part company with one of his current options, and Seelt is the obvious candidate given his injury history.

The former PSV Eindhoven man had to undergo knee surgery last year, and made just one appearance in the Championship last term.

Sunderland’s activity in the summer transfer market is indicative of the fact that the gap between the Championship and the Premier League is wider than ever before.

But the Mackems have shown their willingness to survive in the top flight by making several additions, including both Simon Adingra and Chemsdine Talbi, who featured on the wings against West Ham.

Le Bris’ midfield three against the Hammers was comprised entirely of recent recruits Habib Diarra, Granit Xhaka, and Noah Sadiki.

Jhon Lucumi statsAll competitions 2024/25Appearances44Goals1Assists1Lucumi could be a strong signing for Sunderland

Meanwhile, the further addition of Lucumi would further bolster the Stadium of Light club’s chances of avoiding an unwanted return to the Championship.

The 27-year-old helped Bologna win the Coppa Italia last season and made 44 appearances across all competitions, including seven Champions League outings.

His exploits for the Italian club, as well as the Colombia international team, prove that he would be a real asset for Sunderland.

Elsewhere, football finance expert Dan Plumley has analysed Alderete’s transfer to Le Bris’ side in a Mackem News exclusive.

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