Sunderland AFC: Chris Mepham speaks out amid potential permanent Black Cats transfer talk.
Chris Mepham, a defender on loan from Bournemouth, has acknowledged that he is not currently considering a permanent move to Sunderland.
The contractual Cherries centre back revealed that he is happiest when playing regular football while also talking about his possible future in the game in an interview with The Northern Echo.
Following his spectacular debut in Sunderland’s 1-0 victory against Middlesbrough, the Welsh international signed a season-long loan agreement with the Black Cats this summer. Since then, talks about the possibility of securing a permanent deal for him have started to emerge.
At the conclusion of the current season, Mepham’s contract with Bournemouth will expire, but the Cherries do have the option to
Mepham doesn’t seem to be thinking about anything other than performing well for Sunderland right now, even though he doesn’t seem to be in Andoni Iraola’s plans at the Vitality Stadium.
Chris Mepham brushes off potential Sunderland permanent move talk
Mepham’s reasoning for joining Sunderland was clear; play games and help the club in their pursuit of Premier League promotion. Judging from what he’s been saying recently, that’s all he’s focused on at this moment in time.
Mepham stated in an interview with The Northern Echo: “This is my last year at Bournemouth, and I believe the club has an option for next year.
“I try not to look too far forward. Since a lot can happen in a short amount of time, I believe it makes sense to maintain it weekly.
Like I previously stated, I believe that at this point in my career, playing football and having consistent game time—something I’ve presumably missed over the past few years—is what matters most to me.
“I think the most important thing for me is just gaining game time, being healthy, and avoiding injuries. All of that will take care of itself.
Of course, assisting is the most crucial thing to do.
| Chris Mepham’s Bournemouth career stats – as per FotMob | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Average match rating |
| 23/24 | 13 | 0 | 1 | 6.6/10 |
| 22/23 | 28 | 0 | 0 | 6.5/10 |
| 21/22 | 24 | 0 | 1 | 6.9/10 |
| 20/21 | 28 | 1 | 0 | 6.7/10 |
| 19/20 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 6.4/10 |
| 18/19 | 13 | 0 | 1 | 6.2/10 |
After having only made 13 first team appearances in all competitions for Bournemouth last season, – 10 of which came in the Premier League – being resigned to spending the prime years of his career on the bench is evidently something Mepham has little interest in doing.
“It’s super, super tough not playing,” he confessed.
“Again, you get some lads that might not be as affected.
“They may be content to remain in their contracts, but I don’t believe I’ve ever been like that. I’ve never wanted to settle for my current role, watch the season out from the bench, and that
“Playing football with the team makes me the happiest and most contented person I’ve ever been, and it seems like all your problems kind of go away.”
“I think that’s important and of course I like to think I’ve still got plenty of time on my side and if I can, like I said, get that regular game time I know that my levels will get higher and that can only help this club and help Wales when I do go away with them.”
Chris Mepham already looks to be a solid bit of Sunderland business
There was still some doubt among Sunderland supporters about the extent of the impact this man, who had come to Wearside with Premier League and international experience, could have after he had not been playing regularly.
However, any remaining questions about his skill and readiness to display it were quickly dispelled after a fantastic debut performance in Sunderland’s Wear-Tees Derby victory over Middlesbrough.
According to FootMob, the centre-back had 44 touches of the ball, won 75% of his aerial duels, completed 30/36 of his passes (86%), produced a few crucial blocks and clearances, and ended the game with a 7.2/10 rating.
Mepham, who stood in for the injured Dan Ballard, was a rock in Regis Le Bris’ defence and proved to the sold-out Stadium of Light audience that they could rely on him to step up and contribute when needed.
Ballard, Mepham, and Luke O’Nien appear to be Le Bris’ three competitive Championship centre backs. They will all likely compete for starting positions. The Black Cats are also hoping that Ajibola Alese and Jenson Seelt’s injury recoveries won’t take too long.
Therefore, even though many people are still praising Sunderland’s attacking ability and their ability to propel them to the Premier League, their hard-working and resilient defence appears to be just as important to the Black Cats this season.
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