AliousSunderland have finalized a deal to offload one of their first-team players, with the departure expected to be completed in the coming days.
Sunderland’s Transfer Activity**
The Black Cats have enjoyed a promising season under Regis Le Bris, positioning themselves as strong contenders for a Championship playoff spot. While they were in the automatic promotion race for much of the campaign, recent losses to Leeds United and Hull City have dented their chances, leaving them eight points adrift of second-place Sheffield United.
Should Sunderland fail to secure promotion to the Premier League, there is growing speculation that several of their talented young players could attract interest from top-flight clubs during the summer transfer window. Reports suggest that Crystal Palace have already set their sights on Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham, while striker Eliezer Mayenda is reportedly being monitored by multiple Premier League sides.
One player who has been widely tipped for a move away is winger **Jewison Bennette**. The 20-year-old has been linked with Ukrainian club LNZ Cherkasy, and with the Ukrainian transfer window open until **March 11**, negotiations have continued beyond the usual European deadline. Now, it appears Sunderland and Cherkasy have reached an agreement, paving the way for Bennette’s departure.
### **Bennette’s Exit Confirmed**
According to journalist **Ihor Burbas**, as reported by *Sunderland AFC News*, Bennette is set to join LNZ Cherkasy after the two clubs agreed on a transfer fee. Sunderland are expected to receive **€500,000 (£418,000)** for the Costa Rican attacker—a significant loss compared to the **€1.2m (£1m)** they spent to sign him in 2022.
Given his lack of playing time under Le Bris—featuring just **once all season**—the decision to part ways with Bennette seems logical. His situation was further complicated when a proposed **January deadline-day move to Charlton Athletic collapsed**, leaving him sidelined at the Stadium of Light.
Despite his struggles for minutes under the current manager, Bennette had a supporter in former Sunderland boss **Tony Mowbray**, who admired the youngster’s humility and connection with fans. Notably, after a 2022 match against Preston North End, Bennette was praised for choosing to travel home on the team bus alongside Sunderland supporters, earning respect from the club’s fanbase.
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