Sunderland winger Jewison Bennette is expected to leave the club during the January transfer window, according to reports from the Sunderland Echo.
The Costa Rican international has struggled for game time under manager Regis Le Bris this season and is reportedly seeking a fresh start elsewhere.
Limited Opportunities at Sunderland
Bennette, 20, is under contract at the Stadium of Light until the summer of 2026 but has found himself on the periphery of the squad. This season, he has made just one appearance for the Black Cats, featuring in the Carabao Cup, while spending most of his time with the club’s Under-21 team.
Le Bris commented on Bennette’s situation earlier in the campaign, explaining the challenges the young player has faced:
“It’s difficult because we felt that he needed senior football, and of course with the U21s he is still playing youth football. But he can train with the senior team and have this kind of game, so it’s only four months and then we can see after that. We can try to see how he plays at left back, it is still useful for his development and his experiences. I don’t think it’s his position but he can learn there in games like this.”
Bennette’s limited role at Sunderland follows a challenging loan spell at Aris Thessaloniki in the Greek Super League last season, where he made just two appearances before returning to Wearside. His performances with Sunderland have also been sporadic, having made 21 appearances since joining the club in August 2022 and scoring twice.
A Move for Development
Prior to his time in England, Bennette rose through the ranks at Herediano in Costa Rica, where he played 36 matches and scored three goals as a teenager. His talent earned him international recognition, with 12 caps for Costa Rica and a place in the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Despite his promise, Bennette’s career has stalled at Sunderland. A change in representation suggests that the player and his new agent are actively seeking a move that would provide regular senior football to aid his development.
Writer’s View
Jewison Bennette’s potential departure in January could serve as a turning point in his career. While his time at Sunderland hasn’t yielded the progress many hoped for, regular minutes at another club could reignite his development. With a solid foundation of international experience and glimpses of talent in past performances, a move to a club offering consistent senior football seems the logical next step for this promising young winger.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at 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.
