Régis Le Bris has confirmed discussions over Bertrand Traoré’s future as Sunderland’s latest accounts reveal £47.3m in transfer commitments
Sunderland head into Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle United with several major talking points emerging over the past couple of days.
From Bertrand Traoré contract talks to updates involving Wilson Isidor and Luís Hemir, here is the latest Sunderland round-up.
Régis Le Bris confirms Bertrand Traoré talks
Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris has confirmed the club have opened discussions with Bertrand Traoré about his future at the Stadium of Light. The winger joined Sunderland from Ajax on deadline day last summer on an initial one-year deal, though the club retain the option to extend the agreement for a further season.
Traoré quickly became a key part of Le Bris’s attacking plans following his move from the Eredivisie. However, his season has been disrupted by injury since departing for the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year. The Burkina Faso international suffered a knee injury while on international duty and later experienced a recurrence at Elland Road earlier this month. He is expected to be sidelined for roughly another month, though Sunderland remain hopeful he can play a role in the final weeks of the campaign.
Le Bris confirmed that discussions have taken place between Traoré and sporting director Florent Ghisolfi, though no decision has been made yet. “Yes, it's probably a bit early to make a decision,” Le Bris said. “I know that Bertrand and Flo had a conversation recently about this topic, so it's clear. It's not decided yet, and we'll wait a bit.”
Sunderland accounts: what you need to know
Sunderland have also published their 2024-25 financial accounts, covering the season in which they secured promotion back to the Premier League.
Key points:
Sunderland posted an operating loss of £1.1million, an improvement of around £7million compared to the previous year
Turnover rose to £40.3million, an increase of £2.1million
Gate receipts climbed 14.3% to £13.3million thanks to strong attendances at the Stadium of Light
The club generated around £45million profit from player sales during the accounting period
Staff costs rose above £50million, largely due to promotion bonuses across the club
Sunderland invested close to £10million in facilities improvements
Since the end of the accounting window, Sunderland have committed £47,346,348 in transfer fees
Chief financial officer Mike Papadimitriou said the figures underline the club’s strong foundations. “Sunderland AFC’s 2024-25 financial statements reflect strong performance across key revenue streams, underpinned by the Club’s fundamental strengths – the Stadium of Light, an engaged and passionate supporter base, and a strong connection with the city,” he said.
Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor confirms international decision
Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor has confirmed he will represent Haiti internationally after responding to the country’s call-up. In a message shared with supporters, the forward explained that he had taken time to reflect before making the decision.
“Dear friends, Haitian brothers and sisters. I am writing to you today to announce my decision to respond favorably to the call of the national team. Over the past few months, I have received an avalanche of messages from you, asking me to join the Grenadiers. I took the time to reflect, because I wanted to do things right for the country and the balance of the entire team, not to rush things. I am proud to now be part of the selection, and to be able to honor our people, our nation. Together, we have the opportunity to write history and live great adventures.”
Sunderland loanee Luís Hemir faces difficult loan spell
Sunderland loanee Luís Hemir has also been in the headlines after reports in Portugal revealed disciplinary issues during his loan spell at Moreirense.
The 22-year-old striker had begun to build some momentum after scoring in a recent league match against Nacional. However, he was an unused substitute in Moreirense’s defeat to FC Porto and did not take part in the warm-up before the game. According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, the decision followed behaviour before the match that the club considered inappropriate.
Moreirense manager Vasco Botelho addressed the situation publicly after the game. “He is one of the boys in this team I have known since he was seven years old,” Botelho said. He added that Hemir is “a player I love” but stressed the importance of team standards. “He has to understand that we are a group, and the group will always be above the individual. We are here to help everyone grow, and sometimes helping them grow means making difficult decisions.”
Sunderland fans to be escorted to Newcastle derby
Sunderland supporters travelling to Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby have also been issued travel guidance. Authorities have confirmed that away fans arriving at Newcastle Central Station will be escorted by police to St James’ Park ahead of the match.
The main escort is scheduled to depart at 10.15am, with fans urged to arrive in good time ahead of the 12pm kick-off. Police have also warned supporters to expect busy public transport and queues across the region on matchday.
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