Sunderland’s ambitions of securing a return to the Premier League have been driven by various key components this season, and few have proven as reliable as Chris Mepham. The Welsh international, on loan from AFC Bournemouth, arrived at the Stadium of Light on Deadline Day during the summer transfer window. Since then, his wealth of experience has been a standout attribute, quickly earning him a starting role under head coach Régis Le Bris—a spot he has held onto with consistency throughout the campaign.
Manager Le Bris has publicly acknowledged the potential for Sunderland to pursue a permanent deal for Mepham when the summer window reopens. Encouragingly, the player himself has expressed openness to returning to Wearside beyond his current loan spell. With this in mind, momentum is building among supporters and pundits for the club to make a concrete move.
Among those calling for action is Sunderland fan pundit Jordan Newcombe, speaking on behalf of Football League World. He firmly believes that regardless of which division Sunderland find themselves in next season, the club should prioritize securing Mepham on a long-term basis. He praised Mepham’s proven track record in both the Premier League and the Championship, highlighting how important it is for Sunderland to retain such defensive quality. For Newcombe, Mepham’s consistent performances and ability to dominate in duels make him a crucial asset that should be tied down sooner rather than later.
Newcombe also pointed out how Mepham’s time at Sunderland has benefited both parties—providing the player with regular game time and offering the team a solid defensive foundation. He emphasized that the club has the financial capability to make the deal happen, regardless of promotion, and described the potential signing as a massive statement of intent. Though unsure of an exact valuation, Newcombe underscored Mepham’s elite defensive capabilities and urged Sunderland to act swiftly to secure his services for the long term.
Looking ahead, should Sunderland win promotion, signing Mepham permanently becomes even more of a priority. One of the biggest challenges newly promoted sides face is the step up in intensity, pace, and physicality that comes with Premier League football. While the Championship is a competitive division in its own right, the demands of the top flight are a significant leap.
Sunderland’s current squad is relatively inexperienced, especially at the Premier League level. In such a scenario, having someone like Mepham—who has top-flight experience—would be invaluable in providing leadership and composure. While he alone won’t solve every challenge, his presence would undoubtedly bolster the club’s readiness to compete in the Premier League and help guide the squad through the transition.
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