Sunderland forward Jewison Bennette is in negotiations over a move to Ukrainian club LNZ Cherkasy, according to Costa Rican reporter Kevin Jimenez.
The Black Cats had a relatively quiet January transfer window, with their focus primarily on outgoings rather than incomings. While the likes of Adil Aouchiche and Nazariy Rusyn secured moves away, Bennette remained at the club after a planned loan switch to Charlton Athletic fell through due to time constraints.
“Sunderland are in negotiations with Ukrainian club LNZ Cherkasy over a deal for Bennette,” reported Jimenez. “The talks are ‘on sale’, though time will tell just what the details of the potential deal are.”
What’s Next for the Costa Rican?
Bennette, 20, is under contract with Sunderland until the end of the 2025/26 campaign, having signed a four-year deal upon his arrival from Herediano in the summer of 2022.
It has been a frustrating spell for the Costa Rican international, who has struggled for consistent game time. Some believe he should have left the Stadium of Light in the summer, and the club’s inability to secure a move for him in January has been viewed as a shortcoming in their transfer dealings.
A move to Ukraine might not have been the expected next step for Bennette, but at this stage in his career, the priority must be to secure minutes on the pitch.
It remains to be seen whether the negotiations with LNZ Cherkasy will result in a loan or permanent deal, but there is a strong possibility that the player could move on before the season ends.
Sunderland’s Promotion Push
While discussions regarding Bennette’s future continue, Sunderland’s primary focus remains on their promotion bid. The Black Cats have endured a dip in form recently, which has put their top-two hopes in jeopardy.
Back-to-back defeats against Leeds United and Hull City have left Sunderland trailing in the Championship table. They now sit six points behind Burnley in third and eight points adrift of the top two. However, they still maintain an 11-point lead over West Brom in fifth place.
With crucial fixtures ahead, Sunderland will need to rediscover their form quickly to keep their automatic promotion hopes alive.
Writer’s View
Jewison Bennette’s future at Sunderland has been uncertain for some time, and a move away could be the best solution for both the player and the club. His talent is undeniable, but he needs consistent game time to develop. While a switch to Ukraine may seem unexpected, it offers an opportunity for him to gain regular minutes and rebuild his confidence. Sunderland, meanwhile, must refocus on their promotion battle as they look to secure a return to the Premier League.
