Sunderland Echo

Sunderland completed the loan signing of Tottenham Hotspur and Austria defender Kevin Danso in the final days of the summer transfer window.

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Sunderland have made a ‘really astute signing’ by securing a season-long loan deal for Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Kevin Danso - according to a former Spurs defender.

The Austria international joined the North London club on an initial loan deal from French side Lens in February last year before that move was converted into a permanent switch just months later. Danso went on to make 36 appearances in all competitions during his first full season with Spurs and 26 of them came as part of their starting eleven as they struggled to impress in the Premier League and only secured their top flight status on the final day of the season.

Despite watching his old club struggle, former Spurs full-back Stephen Kelly was impressed with what he witnessed from Danso throughout a challenging season and he insisted Sunderland have made a shrewd addition to their ranks by agreeing a loan deal that could become a permanent signing at the end of the season.

Speaking on Sky Sports News, the former Republic of Ireland defender said: “Kevin Danso, for me, I thought for Spurs last season, and I’m heavily invested in them, he was one of the defenders that came out with a lot of credit for last season. I think that’s a really astute signing.”

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‘That gives the fans a lot of confidence’

Kelly believes one of Sunderland’s most important moves during the summer transfer window was not a new signing or a departure - but came with their successful bid to hold on to club captain and talisman Granit Xhaka. The Switzerland international was a somewhat surprise addition to Regis Le Bris’ squad last summer after he was tempted away from Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen. Xhaka went on to play an integral role in guiding Sunderland to a seventh place finish and qualification for the Europa League - and his performances attracted serious interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea.

The Blues are believed to have been unsuccessful with a number of offers for the Switzerland international during the summer transfer window - and Xhaka has got his head down and focused on impressing during his second season at the Stadium of Light. Kelly believes Sunderland’s ability to retain the midfielder’s services is a sign of strength and will make new signings ‘comfortable’ as they settle into life on Wearside.

He said: “Sometimes the best signings you can make are being able to hold on to your best players and for teams that can do that, I think it shows a strength. It also shows that the player is very much involved in what you’re thinking of going forward and that gives the fans a lot of confidence. I think if you’ve got a player [Xhaka] of this quality, he’s gone and had a wonderful World Cup as well, his energy, his experience, if you keep players like that in your squad and, not only that, but build on it, it makes everyone around it feel comfortable. The players that are signing are coming into this environment where he sets the tone and that’s really good.”

Sunderland transfer news: Cats want to sign Kevin Danso.

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Sunderland are closing in on Kevin Danso after reports claimed an agreement in principle has been reached with Tottenham - and club favourite Marco Gabbiadini has welcomed the move on deadline day.

The 27-year-old Austria international has also reportedly agreed personal terms and is on standby to undergo a medical. Tottenham are not expected to sanction his departure until they have secured a replacement.

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"I think they are sensible signings," he told BBC Radio Newcastle. "They're not going to make the blood rush through the veins of Sunderland supporters as far as attacking options or how dynamic they are but you need players like this to build your team around so that the Enzo Le Fees and the [Chris] Riggs and the [Noah] Sadikis can go and be a little bit more expansive.

"So, yes, another solid signing which we've made quite a number of those over the last couple of years."

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Phil Smith’s expert Sunderland view:

Phil said: “The big question for Sunderland fans is who else they can recruit before the deadline and specifically in forward areas. Another winger has been a major priority throughout the summer, but it has proved a very difficult market. The club made progress on an ambitious deal to sign Marseille forward Igor Paixao, but as it stands the Ligue 1 club have said they don't want to lose any more players. A U-turn before the deadline is certainly not impossible, but Sunderland are clearly having to move on other targets. Lyon winger Malick Fofana was one of those, but Arsenal have made a surprise late move and so are clearly favourites at this stage.

“Ideally Sunderland would also bring in another versatile forward given Eliezer Mayenda's departure earlier this summer, but it remains to be seen whether they can do so. It looks set to be a dramatic day with plenty of twists and turns.”

Sunderland have explored a loan move for a £21m Tottenham defender with strong links to Florent Ghisolfi.

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Sunderland have seen a loan approach for Tottenham Hotspur defender Kevin Danso rejected as the Black Cats look to strengthen defensively before the transfer deadline.

The Echo understands from sources on both sides of the deal that Sunderland explored a loan move for the 27-year-old Austria international, but Tottenham knocked back the approach. Danso is among a number of defensive options considered by the Black Cats as they assess the market during the closing stages of the summer window.

There is also significant history between Danso and Sunderland director of football Florent Ghisolfi, who has now explored signing the defender at three different clubs. Ghisolfi was sporting director at Lens when Danso arrived from Augsburg in August 2021. L'Equipe reported that the French club paid €5million for the defender, worth around £4.3million at the time, although other reports placed the initial fee slightly higher with potential bonuses attached.

Danso was very much a Ghisolfi signing. Speaking when the deal was completed, the Frenchman described the Austrian as Lens' "absolute priority", highlighting his physical attributes, tactical understanding and ability to operate in more than one defensive role. It proved to be an excellent piece of recruitment. Danso became a key figure for Lens, helping them finish second in Ligue 1 and qualify for the Champions League before eventually leaving, having made 128 appearances for the club.

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Ghisolfi's interest did not end when he left Lens. After taking over as Roma's technical director in May 2024, he attempted to sign Danso again that summer. Roma and Lens reached an agreement over an initial loan with an obligation to buy, with the total package potentially reaching €26million - around £22million.

The transfer dramatically collapsed at the medical stage. Danso was not cleared during the mandatory Italian fitness examinations, with concerns subsequently reported over his heart. Lens publicly questioned the outcome, while Danso said at the time that he was surprised and disappointed by the decision.

Danso later underwent extensive specialist tests at the Cleveland Clinic London. Those examinations found no heart muscle scarring or electrical abnormalities considered likely to cause dangerous arrhythmias and he was cleared to return to competitive football in October 2024.

Tottenham eventually moved for him the following February, initially signing Danso on loan from Lens with an obligation to buy. That permanent transfer was worth €25million, around £20.9million, with the defender agreeing a long-term contract in north London.

Sunderland's approach therefore represents the third time Ghisolfi has looked to bring Danso to one of his clubs. He signed him at Lens, went back for him at Roma and has now explored a reunion on Wearside. Tottenham's rejection means there is currently no agreement for Danso to join Sunderland, with the Black Cats continuing to look at defensive options ahead of the deadline.

Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke was linked with a Sunderland loan during his time at Brighton

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Former Sunderland loan target Jan Paul van Hecke is set to join Tottenham Hotspur after Brighton & Hove Albion agreed a £52million deal for the Dutch defender.

The 26-year-old was linked with Sunderland earlier in his Brighton career, when the Black Cats were credited with interest in a potential loan move. He ultimately remained on a different path and has since developed into one of Brighton’s most reliable performers.

Van Hecke is now closing in on a major move to North London, where he is expected to reunite with former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi. The defender has just 12 months remaining on his Brighton contract and had shown no inclination to extend his stay on the south coast. Brighton had already rejected one offer for the centre-back, but have now accepted Tottenham’s proposal, with the deal also understood to include a significant sell-on clause.

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Van Hecke joined Brighton from NAC Breda in 2020 and went on to make 131 appearances for the Seagulls. He was a key figure last season, starting 36 of Brighton’s 38 Premier League matches as Fabian Hurzeler’s side finished eighth and secured European qualification for only the second time in the club’s history. He also started for the Netherlands in their 2-2 draw with Japan at the World Cup on Sunday, further underlining his growing international standing.

His impending move to Tottenham represents another example of Brighton’s ability to develop players and sell at significant profit. Spurs have already strengthened heavily this summer as they look to improve after successive 17th-placed finishes.

The latest transfer talk from Sunderland as one current Black Cats player is linked with moves to Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

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Sunderland loan star Lutsharel Geertruida is reportedly attracting ‘serious attention’ from clubs in the Premier League and across Europe as the Black Cats look to make a firm decision over his long-term future at the Stadium of Light.

The 20-times capped Netherlands international joined Sunderland on loan from RB Leipzig during what was a hectic summer transfer window and he went on to make 30 appearances in all competitions as Regis Le Bris’ side secured a seventh placed finish in the Premier League and a spot in next season’s Europa League.

Geertruida was handed a start in Sunderland’s last three games of a memorable season - but the Black Cats are yet to trigger a reported £20million permanent clause in the loan agreement they struck with Leipzig last August. There was speculation Liverpool were keen on a January move for the versatile defender and the Reds were said to have made an enquiry over a possible deal during the final days of the transfer window.

Speaking at the time, Black Cats boss Le Bris said of Geertruida: “I think his main strength is versatility, and probably in this industry, the most usual pathway is to stay in one position. I think we have to value his versatility, because it's his strength. And for him, it's a complex situation, because he's really useful for the squad. Often the 11th [for] game time for 10 positions on the pitch, but still the 11th, which is really good in the Premier League.

“And the ambition to be a starter is normal for a footballer. The World Cup, with this future in his mind, is really important as well. So many things are combined, and can add the complexity of the transfer window, with many rumours, many opportunities. But facts are facts, it's just the end of the process, do you want to sign or not, and it wasn't so clear finally.”

Doubt still remains over whether Geertruida will be a Sunderland player next season - and SportsBoom have now claimed Liverpool retain their interest in the Dutch international and would face competition from Aston Villa, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace. They also claim Geertruida has interest from Italy, Germany, France and Spain and describe a decision over his future as ‘looming’.

Robin Roefs has already spoken about his Sunderland future amid fresh transfer links with Tottenham

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Robin Roefs has already made clear that he is not thinking about a move away from Sunderland amid fresh reports linking him with Tottenham Hotspur.

According to several reports, Spurs have added the 23-year-old goalkeeper to their summer shortlist as they assess potential new options between the posts ahead of next season. However, it is said that Sunderland remain confident of keeping Roefs, who has quickly established himself as one of Régis Le Bris’ most important players.

The 23-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable debut Premier League campaign after joining the Black Cats from NEC Nijmegen for an initial fee of around £9million plus add-ons, a deal that has since proven inspired despite the Dutchman being unknown to fans in England before the move.

Roefs had previously been linked with a £60million move to Chelsea following Sunderland’s 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur, when he was asked about the growing speculation around his future. The Dutchman responded calmly, making clear that outside noise was not something he was paying much attention to.

Asked about the recognition around his performances, Roefs said: “No, I don't really feel any way with it. I'm just really happy with the trust I get from the team, from the coach. I'm back, and everyone just supports me so well, and they're happy that I'm back. This is, for me, really important. Within the club, within the team, they appreciate me, and that's just really nice to have. What happens outside of that, I don't really feel any type of way about it.”

Roefs’ return against Tottenham was another significant moment in his season. The goalkeeper had missed several games after picking up an injury against Bournemouth earlier in the campaign, forcing him to watch from the sidelines during a key period. In his absence, Melker Ellborg stepped in and impressed, producing assured performances as Sunderland continued to pick up results. However, Roefs’ reinstatement underlined his status as the club’s first-choice option under Le Bris when fully fit.

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Roefs was also quizzed directly on reports linking him with a move away from the Stadium of Light, but again played down any suggestion that he was thinking about his future. “For me, it's not really time to think about these things like moving or any rumours,” he said. “As long as I don't know anything about it, I just keep on going. The way we are building here is just really, really amazing. I think being promoted and performing really well, I think we can only build on that. Let's hope next season we can continue like this.”

Those comments now carry renewed relevance amid Tottenham’s reported interest as the London club fight relegation. Reports claim that Spurs have identified Roefs as a strong candidate to become their number one, although Sunderland are expected to make any potential deal difficult. Spurs are also thought to be looking at Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen and Manchester City’s James Trafford as part of a wider search for a new goalkeeper, with Guglielmo Vicario expected to move on.

Sunderland are linked with a £10.5million midfielder as Tottenham eye a potential £50million summer move

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Sunderland have been credited with interest in Schalke midfielder Soufiane El-Faouzi, while Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly monitoring Black Cats goalkeeper Robin Roefs.

According to Sky Germany, Sunderland are among a number of clubs interested in El-Faouzi, who has impressed in Germany this season. Brentford, Bologna and Celtic are also said to be keen on the 23-year-old, while Stade Rennes have also been mentioned, although they are not expected to be his next destination.

Schalke are reportedly keen to keep the midfielder, who is valued at around €12million - approximately £10.5million. The report adds that El-Faouzi is comfortable at the club and that staying in Gelsenkirchen remains a possibility, with no concrete talks currently taking place with other clubs. His focus is said to have been firmly on Schalke’s promotion push.

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Elsewhere, Football Insider reports that Tottenham are considering a move for Sunderland goalkeeper Roefs, should they retain their Premier League status. The report claims Spurs are in the market for a new first-choice goalkeeper, with Roefs now added to a shortlist that has also included Manchester City’s James Trafford and Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen.

Sunderland are expected to resist any sale after Roefs’ outstanding debut season in England. The Dutchman joined from NEC Nijmegen last summer for around £11.5million and has quickly established himself as a key figure under Régis Le Bris. Football Insider previously reported that Sunderland would expect offers in excess of £50million for Roefs, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City also credited with interest in recent months.

Nicklas Bendtner and Aaron Lennon are set to join Ronaldinho and Jermain Defoe at the Stadium of Light.

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Former Sunderland striker Nicklas Bendtner and ex-Tottenham Hotspur and Everton winger Aaron Lennon are set to appear at the Stadium of Light for the Ronaldinho & Friends game, The Echo understands.

Sunderland will host the exhibition match on Monday, May 25, with kick-off scheduled for 5pm - just 24 hours after the Black Cats’ final Premier League fixture of the season against Chelsea. The game will see Ronaldinho captain a side of former stars against a UK Icons team led by Sunderland favourite Jermain Defoe.

As previously revealed by The Echo, several Brazilian greats are expected to be involved, including Fábio Rochemback, Maicon and Gilberto Silva. They join a growing list of names confirmed to be appearing at the event, including Djibril Cissé, Kléberson, Heurelho Gomes, Manchester United twins Fábio and Rafael, Fernando and Anderson.

The Echo also recently revealed that former Tottenham and Hull City defender Michael Dawson is set to feature. He is now expected to be joined by Lennon, 39, and former Arsenal striker Bendtner, who spent the 2011-12 season on loan at Sunderland, with the trio having played at the Stadium of Light multiple times across their respective careers.

Bentdner, now 38, spent the 2011-12 season on loan at the Stadium of Light, making 30 appearances in all competitions and finishing as the club’s top Premier League scorer with eight goals. His spell included some memorable moments, most notably a penalty in the Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle United and goals in wins over Liverpool, Bolton Wanderers and Queens Park Rangers. Bendtner also scored in Sunderland’s 3-3 draw away to Manchester City, a result that briefly threatened to damage City’s title charge before their dramatic final-day triumph.

After leaving Sunderland, Bendtner returned to Arsenal before later spells with Juventus, Wolfsburg, Nottingham Forest, Rosenborg and FC Copenhagen. He also remained a high-profile figure for Denmark, scoring 30 goals in 81 senior international appearances and representing his country at major tournaments.

The event continues to gather momentum, with further additions expected in the coming days as organisers finalise both squads. Tickets are on sale now via Sunderland’s official website, starting at £25 for adults and £20 for concessions. Hospitality packages are also available, including access to Quinns Sports Bar and executive boxes.

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Sunderland’s then-Chief Business Officer David Bruce said: “It is an absolute privilege to host this game and welcome one of the most iconic legends of the sport. The Stadium of Light is known for hosting big occasions, and this event with Ronaldinho is no different.”

Marcel Nalyan, Chief Curator of the Ronaldinho & Friends game, added: “Ronaldinho’s love for football has never faded, not even with the close of his professional career. It had been a long time since he last visited the UK, and he had longed for the chance to play there once more. When the opportunity with Sunderland arose, he said immediately: ‘Let’s do it!’ From the very beginning, he loved everything about the fans on Wearside, the stadium, and all that comes with it.”

Former Tottenham and England defender is set to return to the Stadium of Light for Sunderland’s Ronaldinho & Friends fixture

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The Echo can reveal that former Tottenham Hotspur captain Michael Dawson is currently set to return to the Stadium of Light next month as part of the Ronaldinho & Friends fixture.

Dawson, who faced Sunderland regularly during his Premier League career, is among the latest high-profile names lined up for the end-of-season event on Wearside - though, as with all exhibition fixtures, final line-ups remain subject to change. The former England international was a familiar opponent at the Stadium of Light during his time with Spurs and is now in line to make his return in a very different setting.

Sunderland will host the Ronaldinho & Friends game on Monday, May 25 (5pm kick-off), just 24 hours after their final Premier League fixture of the season against Chelsea. The exhibition match will see Ronaldinho captain a side of former stars against a UK Icons team led by Jermain Defoe.

As previously revealed by The Echo, several Brazilian greats are also expected to be involved, including Fábio Rochemback, Maicon and Gilberto Silva. They join a growing list of names linked with the event, alongside Djibril Cissé, Kléberson, Heurelho Gomes, Manchester United twins Fábio and Rafael, as well as Fernando and Anderson.

The event continues to gather momentum, with further additions anticipated in the coming days as organisers finalise both squads. Tickets are on sale now via Sunderland’s official website, starting at £25 for adults and £20 for concessions. Hospitality packages are also available, including access to Quinns Sports Bar and executive boxes.

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Sunderland AFC’s Chief Business Officer, David Bruce, said: “It is an absolute privilege to host this game and welcome one of the most iconic legends of the sport. The Stadium of Light is known for hosting big occasions, and this event with Ronaldinho is no different.”

Marcel Nalyan, Chief Curator of the Ronaldinho & Friends game, added: “Ronaldinho’s love for football has never faded, not even with the close of his professional career. It had been a long time since he last visited the UK, and he had longed for the chance to play there once more. When the opportunity with Sunderland arose, he said immediately: ‘Let’s do it!’ From the very beginning, he loved everything about the fans on Wearside, the stadium, and all that comes with it.”

Premier League panel rules on key Sunderland incident involving Brian Brobbey after controversial Tottenham clash

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The Premier League’s Key Match Incidents panel has ruled that Brian Brobbey should have been dismissed during Sunderland’s recent victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the Stadium of Light.

The incident took place midway through the second half of the April 12 fixture, shortly after Sunderland had moved ahead through Nordi Mukiele. As Tottenham attempted to deal with a ball played down the middle, Cristian Romero positioned himself between Brobbey and goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky in an effort to see it safely back.

Brobbey then made contact with the defender from behind, leading to Romero colliding with Kinsky. Referee Rob Jones awarded a foul but opted against showing a second yellow card to the Sunderland forward, who had already been booked in the first half following a coming together with Pedro Porro. Upon review, the KMI panel reached a split verdict, with three members to two deciding that the original decision was incorrect.

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Their assessment concluded that the contact constituted a “two-handed push” and met the threshold for a second caution. Had Brobbey been dismissed, Tottenham would have been handed a numerical advantage for the closing stages of a game they ultimately lost 1-0. In the aftermath, Brobbey was targeted with racist abuse on social media. Sunderland subsequently reported the matter to the Premier League, the relevant platforms and the police.

The decision has also contributed to a growing number of errors linked to referee Rob Jones this season in relation to second yellow cards. According to the panel’s data, he has been involved in five such incorrect calls during the current campaign, all of which were deemed to have warranted a sending off.