Sometimes, things just don’t click for a player at a particular club, and that was certainly the case for this former Sunderland man.
Over the past eight years, Sunderland have undergone significant squad changes, leading to their dramatic drop from the Premier League to League One, where they remained for three seasons before securing promotion under Alex Neil in 2022.
Now, the Black Cats have their sights set on a Premier League return. With Regis Le Bris taking charge last summer, Sunderland have transformed into genuine promotion contenders. While the top three teams in the Championship possess greater financial resources and squad depth, Sunderland remain the strongest of the chasing pack.
Following a narrow 1-0 victory over Millwall in their last outing, Sunderland hold 4th place in the league table and enjoy a comfortable 15-point cushion over Tony Mowbray’s West Brom, who sit 6th. The two sides are set to face off this Saturday.
A Premier League comeback is well within Sunderland’s reach, and should they achieve it, they might cross paths with a former player—unless he secures a sensational £75 million transfer this summer.
Ex-Sunderland Loanee Antoine Semenyo Set for £75m Move
Saudi Arabia has emerged as a major player in world football in recent years, attracting top talents. Cristiano Ronaldo, the biggest name in the league, represents Al-Nassr, where he reportedly earns an eye-watering £168 million per year. Now, former Sunderland loanee Antoine Semenyo could be the next to join him.
According to a report from GIVEMESPORT, Al-Nassr are eyeing multiple Premier League players, including West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma, and Bournemouth’s Semenyo. The Ghanaian international, who had a forgettable loan spell at Sunderland during the 2019/20 League One season—failing to score in seven appearances—has since turned his career around.
After returning to Bristol City, he secured a £10 million transfer to Bournemouth in 2023. Since then, he has contributed 16 goals and seven assists in 73 games for the Cherries. GIVEMESPORT reports that Al-Nassr believe Bournemouth would accept a £75 million bid for his services.
Sunderland’s Own Antoine Semenyo in the Making
Sunderland’s academy continues to produce promising young talent. While Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham are currently the most high-profile names, Tommy Watson recently completed a £10 million move to Brighton, potentially the first of several major sales for the club this summer.
One player drawing comparisons to Semenyo is Romaine Mundle. The ex-Tottenham youngster arrived from Standard Liege in a £2 million deal in January 2023 and is steadily establishing himself in the Championship. If not for an injury this season, he might have already attracted significant Premier League interest.
West Ham have been linked with Mundle, but he is expected to remain at Sunderland next season, with his value likely to rise further. In the future, he too could command a £75 million price tag.
