Sunderland player lined up for poor loan – Expected to pay full salary

Arthur Masuaku hasn’t had  regular game time at Sunderland since joining them as a free agent in August. Having parted ways with Beşiktaş, the fullback was given the chance to return to English football.

He’d been with West Ham for seven years before his move to Turkey, and whilst he struggled for game time with the Hammers the chance to make a return to the Premier League was too tempting to dismiss.

Since then, Régis Le Bris has limited the DR Congo international to 217 minutes from four matches.

The left-back aims to feature regularly to be in his best shape for the World Cup qualifiers in March. Therefore, he’s looking for a move away from the Stadium of Light.

On Boxing Day, Foot RDC reported the 32-year-old plans to leave Sunderland in the winter market. His agent reportedly offered him to Trabzonspor, but they have ruled out a move for the fullback.

Last week, journalist Sacha Tavolieri reported Standard Liège have initiated contact over a move for the Sunderland player. Le Soir now pick up on that and cover the latest.

The Jupiler Pro League side have Boli Bolingoli and Alexandro Calut as the two left-backs in their squad. The latter has been on the sidelines with an injury since December.

According to the newspaper, Standard Liège have prioritised signing a new left-back in this window. They have already explored a few options including the Sunderland player.

Sunderland can surely get better outcome

The Belgian club have lined up a loan for Masuaku. Their plan is to take him on loan without a purchase option or obligation. The report adds Standard Liège want the Black Cats to cover his full salary.

That doesn’t sound like a great deal for Sunderland. Standard Liege appear to want Masuaku as a back-up option and clearly have no intention of signing him permanently.

Given the player’s age, the prospect of a transfer fee is close to zero, so perhaps if he’s so keen on getting playing time then a contract termination would be the best way forward.

That would save Sunderland covering the wages of a reserve fullback elsewhere.