Gav says…
We’ve talked a lot on the Podcast recently about ‘sliding doors moments’, and in particular, the significance of that Tommy Watson goal in the Playoff Final. Many things would have been so different had we not won that game down at Wembley, and I think that’s true of Nectar Triantis’ situation. I have no doubts that he’d have been starting games if we were still in the Championship, because he showed last year at Hibernian that he’s capable of playing to a decent level, and he’d have probably taken up the space left behind by Jobe Bellingham.
Alas, it wasn’t to be, and Nectar leaves with our best wishes. Had things worked out differently he’d be still with us, but having had two really good loans away from the club where he got to experience the highs of playing regular football — and, let’s not forget that before he came to us he won the A-League with Central Coast Mariners — he deserves to go and play week in, week out.
I have to say, though, that I’m surprised to read he turned down offers from the Championship and Eredivisie in favour of the move to the US. I understand from a lifestyle perspective why he might want to move across the pond, but for his career, you’d think he’d be better off playing in a more competitive league. One good season in the Championship or Netherlands can earn you a big money move, whereas there are fewer eyeballs on what’s happening in the MLS, and I’m not really sure he’s likely to develop at the same rate as he has over the last twelve months in such an environment, but I guess that time will tell.
All in all, it’s a good move for the football club to get a lad off the books for a profit, no matter how large or small that is, and the only regret is that things didn’t work out for him here in the end, as I think he’s a cracking young talent with huge potential. Let’s hope he realises that potential elsewhere and goes on the prove us wrong!
LOULE, PORTUGAL - JULY 16: Nectarios Triantis cools off during a Sunderland AFC training session at The Amendoeira Golf Resort on July 16, 2025 in Pera, Portugal. (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)
LOULE, PORTUGAL - JULY 16: Nectarios Triantis cools off during a Sunderland AFC training session at The Amendoeira Golf Resort on July 16, 2025 in Pera, Portugal. (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)
Sunderland AFC via Getty Images
John Wilson says…
I think it’s indicative of the rise in standards in every part of the pitch that has taken place over the summer.
We would all have liked to have seen how last season’s squad might have got on in the Premier League - the young team that we all got behind emotionally, but there is no room for emotion now.
Nectar was at best 3rd choice in whatever position he was going to play.
So, unfortunately, after his excellent loan spell in Scotland, the next supposed step was to battle for a place in the team - but it coincided with our promotion, so that path is now too steep to climb.
It highlights the ruthlessness at times of football, but he won’t be the only player from the Championship that we’ll never get to see in the Premier.
A big shame, and I wish him all the luck for the future.
LOULE, PORTUGAL - JULY 16: Nectarios Triantis during a Sunderland AFC training session at The Amendoeira Golf Resort on July 16, 2025 in Pera, Portugal. (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)
LOULE, PORTUGAL - JULY 16: Nectarios Triantis during a Sunderland AFC training session at The Amendoeira Golf Resort on July 16, 2025 in Pera, Portugal. (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)
Sunderland AFC via Getty Images
Joseph Tulip says…
This is not a surprising development for me. Nectar Triantis enjoyed a successful season out on loan last term and would have hoped to be stating his claim for a place in the Sunderland team this term.
I’d loved to have seen Nectar given a run in midfield during pre-season after doing so well there at Hibs, but with our midfield overhaul this summer, it means that in reality, Triantis was well down the pecking order at Sunderland. He could have offered cover at the back, but with new defenders incoming, it just wasn’t meant to be for the Australian on Wearside.
Had we still been in the Championship, I’d have expected Triantis to have been part of our plans, but our hierarchy must not believe he’s ready for the step up to Premier League football.
We need to offload players who are not expected to feature this season, and unfortunately for Nectar, his time at Sunderland has been cut short by our recent transformation into a club determined to become a force in the top flight.
Anthony Gair says…
I’m a bit gutted to see Nectar Triantis go, not because he’s the second coming of Vieira (or Jack Rudoni’s long-lost twin), more because that loan up in Scotland hinted at a proper destroyer in there — legs, bite, a bit of calm on the ball.
If Minnesota’s the move, fair enough: he probably wasn’t getting many minutes here with Granit parked in front of our back four. He reads as one of those who actually want to play, not pose, which is rare these days.
So yeah, a shame. Maybe it’s just become clear in training he’s not “Premier League” (whatever that is).
Either way, thanks and good luck… we roll on.
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