Sunderland now control the Ligue 1 midfielder, who left a Championship club in 2024

On By Littum

Sunderland have a new name on their radar and he is very familiar with one of the Black Cats’ current promotion rivals in the Championship.

Despite having a very well stocked midfield department, Sunderland have a new one on their January transfer radar and it could be a sign of what could be to come in the new year.

The Black Cats currently have a number of players attracting outside interest ahead of January, including midfielder Jobe Bellingham, who is wanted by Real Madrid and more, and Chris Rigg, who has also been linked with Madrid, and several other top teams.

Manager Regis Le Bris still has Salis Abdul Samed back. But it has been claimed that Samed could leave Sunderland before ever making an appearance, having been injured since his summer arrival on loan from RC Lens.

The Black Cats now have a potential midfield signing on their radar with the January transfer window opening in less than a week, and Sunderland fans may remember his name from the 2023/24 Championship season when he played for Leeds United.

Glen Kamara of Leeds United is on the ball during the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi Final First Leg between Norwich City and Leeds United at the C...
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Former Leeds United star Glen Kamara is being targeted by Sunderland

Glen Kamara, 29, left Rangers for Leeds United on a permanent deal in the summer of 2023, going on to make 40 Championship appearances in his first season at Elland Road.

But that season proved to be his only season at the club. The Whites sold Kamara to Rennes ahead of this season, with the Finland international featuring 13 times in Ligue 1 so far this season.

A forthcoming report from Jeunes Footeux have now revealed that Sunderland have ‘checked out’ Kamara at Rennes as they look to sign a new defensive midfielder in the new year.

The same report goes on to add that ‘there is nothing concrete at the moment’ with a possible Sunderland move for Kamara being considered and that the Black Cats want a player on loan.

Sunderland unveil new loan signing Salis Abdul Samed at The Academy of Light on September 3, 2024 in Sunderland, England.
Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

When will Salis Abdul Samed make his Sunderland debut?

Kamara’s links only highlight the rough patch Samed has had with Sunderland; the fact that the club now want a new defensive midfielder on loan before Samed has even had a chance to make his debut.

But his injury has proven to be persistent. Le Bris has often hinted that Samed has been close to joining, only for the 24-year-old to be ruled out of the next few weeks.

Most recently, Le Bris spoke of the Ghanaian saying that Samed will play for Sunderland in early January and potentially make his debut in the FA Cup clash against Stoke City on January 11.