Reports have surfaced suggesting that Sunderland defender Timothee Pembele declined to play for the club’s under-21 side, managed by Graeme Murty, before his recent loan move to Le Havre.
Pembele, who joined Sunderland from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2023, struggled to make an impact at the Championship side, leading to his eventual exit this summer. The 22-year-old right-back was signed with high expectations, having previously played for PSG and boasting Champions League experience. He was brought in with the hope of becoming a regular in Sunderland’s defence, but injuries and stiff competition for his position, primarily from Trai Hume, severely limited his game time. He made just eight appearances during the 2023-24 season, a period marked by frustration for both the player and the club.
According to Mackem News, a former Sunderland employee revealed that Pembele “withdrew himself” from Murty’s under-21 squad, which the club often uses to give first-team players extra minutes. Murty’s side, which performed admirably last season by reaching the Premier League 2 play-off final, serves as a crucial step for players on the fringe of the first team. Despite this, Pembele reportedly opted out of playing in the youth team, leading to further tension between him and the club’s management.
Pembele, now on loan at Ligue 1 club Le Havre, spoke about his time at Sunderland in a recent interview with French publication Paris Normandie. Reflecting on his difficult season, he explained: “Humanly and sportingly, I am coming out of a difficult season. I arrived very late, and I never managed to catch up. The coach never trusted me.” He also noted that the arrival of new head coach Régis Le Bris had not improved his prospects. “The arrival this summer of Régis Le Bris has not changed anything in my situation. So, I preferred to go on loan,” Pembele said.
Sunderland’s decision to send Pembele out on loan appeared to be the best solution for both parties. The defender’s frustration had clearly been growing, and the opportunity to return to France, a league he was more familiar with, was an attractive proposition for the player. “Quite simply, I’m happy. I’m coming to a club that I know a little bit about… Here, the coach really trusts the youngsters,” Pembele remarked about his move to Le Havre.
Despite the defender’s obvious talents, his time at Sunderland has been far from smooth. The refusal to play for the under-21s seemed to signal the breaking point in Pembele’s relationship with the club. Sunderland’s under-21 team, led by Murty, has been an important platform for players to regain match fitness and maintain sharpness, with several first-teamers regularly participating when recovering from injury or returning to form.
Timothée Pembélé will spend the 2024-25 season on loan at Le Havre AC.
Best of luck, Timothée! 👊
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 30, 2024
Murty’s side enjoyed significant success last season, reaching the Premier League 2 play-off final, where Tottenham Hotspur narrowly defeated them. The club’s strategy of using the under-21s as a stepping stone for first-team players has been effective. However, Pembele’s decision to withdraw from participation raised questions about his commitment to Sunderland’s long-term plans.
The refusal to play for the youth side and his struggles in breaking into the first team mean Pembele’s future at the Stadium of Light is now uncertain. Although he is contracted to Sunderland, it appears unlikely that he will return to play a significant role for the Black Cats.
While Pembele’s move to Le Havre may benefit the player’s development, it leaves Sunderland with some unresolved issues regarding their summer transfers. Pembele was one of four players loaned out by the club on deadline day, along with Pierre Ekwah, Nectarios Triantis, and Luis Hemir Semedo. This mass exodus of players, including those who were signed just a year ago, suggests that Sunderland may be rethinking their approach to squad building.
Writer’s View
The situation with Timothee Pembele reflects a broader challenge that football clubs often face when integrating new signings, especially those coming from prestigious clubs like Paris Saint-Germain. Pembele arrived with high expectations, and while he may have had the talent, the transition to Sunderland’s style and the rigors of the Championship proved difficult. His refusal to participate in the under-21 matches may have stemmed from frustration, but it highlights a disconnect between player and club expectations.
From Sunderland’s perspective, the decision to loan Pembele out seems sensible. The club is focused on immediate promotion challenges, and players who are not fully integrated into the first team could be seen as distractions. The loan system allows Sunderland to free up space in their squad while giving Pembele the opportunity to rebuild his confidence. However, if the club cannot turn promising signings like Pembele into regular contributors, it raises concerns about their recruitment strategy going forward.
Founder of The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
