Sunderland have completed the loan signing of Premier League defender Chris Mepham from Bournemouth. The experienced centre-back will add depth to Regis Le Bris’ defensive options especially as Aji Alese is set for a spell on the injured list and several others could leave on loan before the transfer window closes.
The deal was confirmed by Sunderland’s official website safc.com.
26-year-old Wales international Mepham has Championship experience from his time at Brentford and his current club Bournemouth where he has made over 100 appearances. The deal is believed to have no option or obligation to buy.
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Premier League and Wales International Joins Sunderland
Defender Originally Not on Sunderland’s Radar
During a recent press conference, head coach Regis Le Bris indicated that a defender was not a priority. Le Bris said: “If at the end we have six or seven players in our back four, with two or three players who are versatile… Trai can play on the left side and Luke on the right side for example. Aji can play on the left side, Leo too. So at the moment I am confident but of course after a red card, yellow cards or injuries then you can at the limit. But at the minute, I am ok.”
However, in football things can change very quickly as shown in the signing of Chris Mepham.
Who is Chris Mepham?
Wales international Chris Mepham began his professional career at Brentford. After impressing in his two-and-a-half years with the Bees, the centre-back joined Premier League side Bournemouth in 2019 for a reported £12 million. He has gone on to play 121 games for the Cherries, 46 of those in the Championship.
6ft 4in Mepham is also an established international having featured 36 times for the Wales senior side. He was in their squad for Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.
Although his natural position is at centre-back, he can also play at full-back if needed.
Sporting Director on Signing Chris Mepham
Sunderland’s Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman said: “We are delighted to welcome Chris to Sunderland. This is an area we wanted to strengthen before the deadline and Chris has shown that he can play at this level and beyond. He has demonstrated an ability to perform consistently throughout his career and we are confident he will take this move in his stride. In addition to the defensive qualities he will bring to our defence, he will also add experience. This will be invaluable on the field and in the dressing room.”
