Transfer Bombshell – Sunderland sensationally reject shock move for former Premier League star just hours before the deadline, sparking chaos, fan uproar and fresh rumours of a dramatic late twist!

Sunderland Pass on Bertrand Traoré Transfer as Brian Brobbey Capture Steals Spotlight Ahead of Deadline

Sunderland weighed up a late-window swoop for Ajax winger Bertrand Traoré but ultimately opted against pursuing the deal, despite the Burkina Faso international being available for just £2.5m and eager for a Wearside switch.

According to Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, the 29-year-old—who has played in the Premier League with Chelsea and Aston Villa—was firmly on Sunderland’s radar last night, but internal talks led the club to prioritise reinforcements up front rather than on the flanks.

Downie revealed on X: “Sunderland explored a move for Bertrand Traoré last night but decided against proceeding. The winger was available for £2.5m and keen on the move. Sunderland did, however, agree a deal with Ajax today—for striker Brian Brobbey. They’re still a winger short…”

Traoré’s credentials made his availability noteworthy. After progressing from Auxerre’s academy to Chelsea in 2013, he impressed on loan at Vitesse and Ajax before breaking into the Blues’ first team, scoring four times in 16 appearances. He later thrived at Lyon, netting 33 goals in four seasons and helping the French side reach the 2020 Champions League semi-finals. Stints at Aston Villa, Istanbul Başakşehir, Villarreal, and a return to Ajax followed, but he has since fallen out of favour in Amsterdam.

While Sunderland decided against moving for Traoré, they have pushed through a blockbuster £21.6m transfer for Ajax striker Brian Brobbey, who becomes the club’s 13th summer signing. The 23-year-old Netherlands international boasts 56 goals and 24 assists in 163 appearances and is considered one of Europe’s brightest young forwards.

Head coach Régis Le Bris identified Brobbey as a key addition after Chelsea recalled loanee Marc Guiu, and the Dutchman will lead Sunderland’s frontline alongside Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda. The Black Cats are also exploring another wide player before the 7pm cut-off, while finalising exits for Patrick Roberts (set for Birmingham City) and Ahmed Abdullahi (loan move expected despite Angers collapse).

Brobbey’s arrival will take Sunderland’s summer spend to £167.1m, underlining Kyril Louis-Dreyfus’ bold investment drive as the newly promoted club continues one of the most ambitious transfer windows ever seen in Premier League history.