Story by
'I Hope...': Régis Le Bris Backs Sunderland Winger Amid Debated New Contract Offer
- Story by
- 'I Hope...': Régis Le Bris Backs Sunderland Winger Amid Debated New Contract Offer
Régis Le Bris backs Romaine Mundle amid Sunderland contract news
Sunderland boss Régis Le Bris has issued a hopeful and adamant message regarding Black Cats left-winger Romaine Mundle amid his controversial contract news.
Advertisement
Earlier in the week, reports emerged that Sunderland are set to offer Mundle a new contract to extend his stay at the Stadium of Light beyond his current package, which runs until the summer of 2028, ahead of his prospective deal.
Sunderland are keen to tie 23-year-old talent Mundle down on a long-term deal, having rejected multiple offers from multiple Ligue 1 sides for his services throughout the summer transfer window.
The debate surrounding the contract decision centres around Mundle's injury record since he arrived from Belgian Pro League side Standard Liege in the January of 2024 in a £2.5m deal.
Since he arrived at the Stadium of Light, the former Tottenham Hotspur youngster has endured an extremely difficult time with injuries at Sunderland, suffering multiple serious hamstring issues within his first two full seasons in the red-and-white stripes.
Advertisement
Last season, Mundle missed a substantial number of Premier League games for Sunderland last season, seeing the Englishman enjoy just 400 minutes of top flight action under Le Bris.
Romaine Mundle against Leeds United in pre-season (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Therefore, some sections of the Sunderland supporter base were confused as to why the Black Cats hierarchy are set to offer an injury-prone player, who failed to notch any goal contributions last season, an improved and extended contract at the club.
However, Mundle began to vindicate Sunderland's decision in his side's most recent outing since the contract news, with his impressive substitute cameo against Rennes in the 2-1 pre-season friendly win on Saturday afternoon.
Advertisement
Following the pre-season finale victory, Le Bris made clear that he believes Mundle can have an impact for Sunderland next season, if he can stay off the sidelines.
As quoted by the Sunderland Echo , Le Bris said: "Romaine struggled last season and the season before as well because of hamstring injuries.
"So, I hope now it's solved and fixed because now after two surgeries it seems solid. We know the player, the player has a pure X factor and it's rare, this ability to dribble and to finish in the final turn.
"It's impressive, and now it's a question of time. If he's consistent physically, I'm sure that he can help the team."
-
Régis Le Bris Explains Sunderland Left-wing Selection Process
Mundle will be in direct competition with Chemsdine Talbi and Nilson Angulo for his place in Le Bris' Sunderland side, with both of those Black Cats wingers making an impact at the World Cup earlier this summer for Morocco and Ecuador , respectively.
Advertisement
As a result of being classed as a homegrown player, Mundle could potentially be utilised by Le Bris in the upcoming Europa League campaign, and the Sunderland boss has explained that the 23-year-old will be given his chance to shine next season.
Le Bris added: "For Romaine and the other wingers, we have many options. They still need maturity, and maturity means game time and experiences.
"So it might be on the bench, and then a few minutes, you can build on a strong experience. And we know that the first part of the season will be busy, so we'll see."
Now, the onus is on Mundle - who will hopefully be able to put his unfortunate injury record behind him - to silence his doubters and enjoy his most impressive season for Sunderland to date in his third full season at the Stadium of Light.
