Sunderland are in talks with former Southampton, West Ham and Crystal Palace defender Jose Fonte over a coaching role
Sunderland are in talks with former Portugal international Jose Fonte over a role in Régis Le Bris’ coaching staff, as first revealed by The Sun.
The Echo understands discussions are ongoing for Fonte, formerly of West Ham, to join Sunderland’s first-team set-up, with talks progressing, though nothing has been finalised at this stage.
Fonte announced his retirement from playing in May following a long and successful career which included 882 senior appearances and a European Championship triumph with Portugal in 2016. The 42-year-old would bring significant Premier League and international experience to the Stadium of Light if an agreement is reached, as Sunderland continue preparations for the new campaign.
Le Bris’ first-team squad reported back for pre-season training at the Academy of Light on Thursday, though Fonte was not present as talks continue over a potential move to Wearside. The former centre-back is best known in English football for his seven-year spell at Southampton, where he played a major role in the club’s rise from League One to the Premier League.
Fonte joined Southampton from Crystal Palace in 2010 and went on to make almost 300 appearances for the Saints, establishing himself as a key figure during one of the most successful periods in the club’s modern history. His arrival would represent another notable addition to Le Bris’ backroom operation as Sunderland look to build on last season’s success and prepare for the demands of domestic and European football.
Fonte is understood to be ready to begin the next stage of his career in coaching, and Sunderland are now working to see whether a deal can be agreed. At this stage, however, no appointment has been confirmed.
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