TRANSFER ROUNDUP

Noah Sadiki and Enzo Le Fee have spoken about their respective transfer rumours, plus it seems that Lutsharel Geertruida's future has been pretty much confirmed.

SADIKI SAID...

Noah Sadiki was asked about his impresive rise up the ranks and how quickly he's adapted to life in the Premier League, and then refused to rule out a summer transfer.

“It is amazing to experience everything that is happening to me now. Everything went so fast: the transfer to England just after the title in Belgium, and then immediately a starter in England. I haven’t even had time to really realise what has happened since my departure from Union SG. I talk about Union in England; the English know who they are and couldn’t ignore the performances in the Champions League. My future? I still have two matches to play with Sunderland, then the World Cup, which will be very special for the Congolese people. And as for the rest, we’ll see next season when the time is right.”

ENZO SAID...

In a more lengthy interview, Enzo Le Fee spoke about his special relationship with Regis Le Bris, why he thinks Sunderland fans appreciate him, and said he's flattered by reports that some of Europe's elite clubs are looking at him.

"It’s always good to hear something like this, but it’s only the media part. I just care about the end of the season. I think we’ve got two big games now, and I’m only focused on the pitch. I think (Le Bris) gave me a lot since I’m 12 now. I enjoy working under him. I’ve enjoyed a lot of my time here since I came, since the first day.

“I think we’ve got a really good relationship between me and the fans. I think it’s because of them, because I’ve had a really good welcome. Of course, sometimes they can like what I do. They say it’s a bit of magic, but they also like it because I fight. I’m small, I’m not a big guy, but I give 100 per cent in every duel. Sometimes I can lose some duels, but I will give 100 per cent every time. I think that’s what they like. I think I love this part. Before I wasn't someone who could fight like this, but I knew that if I wanted to be the top player, I needed this part, so I'll keep working on this."

BAYERN WANT OUR LADS

In other news, Bayern Munich have been credited with an interest in two of our players, Robin Roefs and Brian Brobbey. The Dutch duo only arrived at Sunderland last summer but have both made a great impression in the Premier League. Roefs in particular has seen his name linked with several top clubs while Brobbey's unique physical profile has stood out despite a rather unspectacular goal return of six in 25 games.

The German giants are said to be looking for a long-term Manuel Neuer replacement, and our goalkeeper could fit the criteria - good with his feet, calm and composed, a great shot-stopper. Brobbey may be seen as strong backup to Harry Kane, who is almost guaranteed to start up front for Bayern when fit. Both players are expected to be involved in the Netherlands' 2026 World Cup campaign, which could increase their value if they grab the headlines, and are both tied down to long-term contracts on Wearside which means SAFC are in no hurry to sell unless the price is right.

PATTO LINKED AWAY

Anthony Patterson is coming off the back of a loan spell at Millwall where he played a big part in the Lions finishing 3rd in the Championship and is popular at The Den - despite spilling Gelhardt's shot in the play-offs recently. It has previously been reported that if Alex Neil's side got promoted then they'd be interested in a permanent move for Patto. Of course, that won't be happening now but perhaps they'll enquire about a second loan deal. Southampton are also said to be interested in the 26-year-old, although their transfer dealings will be dictated by what league they end up in. They've still got Aaron Ramsdale on their books so his future will have to be decided before the Saints move for any goalkeeper.

GEERTRUIDA LATEST

It has once again been reported by Sky Sports Germany that Lutsharel Geertruida's loan spell will not be made permanent in the summer, despite Sunderland having a buy-option for around £20m. Regis Le Bris has said publically that the club haven't made a decision on the Dutchman's future, but given how the season has panned out for Lutsharel it may well be that he's decided that staying isn't the best move for him. His versatility has actually hampered him, with limited minutes this season. He can play right back, centre back or central midfield, which is handy, but means he's often deployed as a utility player on the bench rather than a starter who specialises in one position.

Trai Hume has been given plenty of minutes at right back ahead of the 25-year-old, and even when we had an injury crisis Luke O'Nien was playing at centre half instead of Geertruida. As a Netherlands international aiming to make the World Cup squad, he simply needs to be playing regularly. He started against the Mags, and performed admirably, and then we didn't see him for four games, until he came back into the side for Man United and put in another classy performance, even hitting the post.

It is understandable that RLB would prefer to select players who are permanently at the club, and perhaps the Liverpool situation in January created an awkward situation with Geertruida. For around £20m, it seems like a missed opportunity to not sign a player of Geertruida's quality and (arguably more importantly) versatility.