Sports

Sunderland make big Standard Liege demand in Arthur Masuaku exit talks

Published

3 hours ago

15 January 2026

Sunderland are digging their heels in talks over a potential fourth January exit from the Stadium of Light, with Regis le Bris’ side refusing to be bullied around in negotiations.

Sunderland’s promising Premier League return has hit a significant stumbling block lately, with the Black Cats enduring a concerning dip in form since December that threatens to derail their impressive campaign.

Le Bris’ men have failed to win any of their last five league matches, managing just four draws and one defeat during a run that has seen their attacking output dry up alarmingly.

Since the start of December, Sunderland have scored a league-low four goals and posted the lowest expected goals total in that period (6.6) (WhoScored) – a dramatic downturn for a side that began the season with such promise.

They have failed to find the net in four of their last seven matches after blanking in just four of their opening 14 games, highlighting the severity of their goalscoring crisis.

Despite basically confirming their top flight status for next term, which was the initial aim, Sunderland’s momentum that propelled them into the top six has evaporated.

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Their struggles have been compounded by key absences, with Habib Diarra and Chemsdine Talbi missing key matches whilst at the Africa Cup of Nations, depleting Le Bris’ midfield options at a crucial stage.

Transfer activity has been minimal this January, with Sunderland focusing primarily on potential departures rather than reinforcements.

Experienced left-back Arthur Masuaku, who has also just picked up an ankle injury, could depart in search of more regular football, with Standard Liege understood to be in talks over a potential move.

Sunderland make big demand in Arthur Masuaku exit talks

The DRC Congo international has struggled for minutes since his summer arrival and is reportedly open to leaving.

Even despite news of the 31-year-old’s period on the sidelines, Sky Switzerland reporter Sacha Tavolieri claims ‘as of today’ that Standard Liege are still pursuing a loan deal for Masuaku.

However, Sunderland are making a big demand in these exit talks, namely that the North East side want Standard to cover the defender’s entire £55,000-per-week salary.

This is believed to be really complicating the discussions, but it appears Sunderland won’t be pushovers either.

The former West Ham star has endured a difficult time since returning to the Premier League, making just three appearances in all competitions, and he hasn’t even made a matchday squad since November.

If all goes to plan with Standard, Masuaku’s exit would be Sunderland’s fourth departure of the window after Joe Anderson’s move to Barrow, Jay Matete’s switch to MK Dons and Timothee Pembele’s loan to Le Havre.