Sunderland‘s Arthur Masuaku is closing in on a move to Konyaspor this summer.
The defender spent seven years at West Ham United before leaving them permanently for Beşiktaş in 2023.
Last summer, the 32-year-old returned to the Premier League to join Sunderland, after leaving Beşiktaş as a free agent.
Régis Le Bris gave him only 127 minutes from three Premier League matches. The restricted role convinced the DR Congo international to join RC Lens on loan in January.
His situation didn’t improve in France as he played 229 minutes from four league games. In March, the left-back hinted he had no plans of returning to the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland grant permission to leave
Arthur Masuaku is in his final year of contract, and Transfermarkt value him at €2m. The Black Cats have decided to let him leave for free.
That’s according to Konya’nın Sesi, an outlet local to the Turkish club, who covers their interest in the fullback.
They have found out from their sources that Konyaspor want to sign him as a free agent, and Sunderland have agreed to release him.
A source said: ‘Konyaspor will not pay any transfer fee for the player, who has one year left on his contract with Sunderland. Sunderland has allowed the player to leave for free.’
Agreement with Sunderland player
The Süper Lig side only have to agree terms with the former West Ham United man.
According to the report, Konyaspor have reached an agreement in principle with Arthur Masuaku for a two-year contract.
The parties are sorting out the last details. This shouldn’t take long as the operation is in the ‘final stages’ and the Sunderland man should arrive in Turkey in the next few days. He has to carry out a medical and other formalities to complete his return to Turkey.
Masuaku would have struggled for a prominent role under Régis Le Bris next season and his exit will see the Black Cats save on his final year salary. His summer exit can benefit both parties.
