Sunderland have secured the signing of experienced left-back Arthur Masuaku, marking their tenth acquisition of the summer and their seventh French national in the squad.
The 30-year-old Franco-Congolese defender, who has represented the Democratic Republic of Congo 27 times at international level, arrives as a free agent after leaving Turkish side Beşiktaş.
Masuaku previously spent six years at West Ham United, making over 100 appearances between 2016 and 2022 before moving to the Süper Lig.
The newly promoted Premier League side, managed by Régis Le Bris, have been aggressive in the transfer market, spending a reported €141m in just over a month to strengthen their squad.
Sunderland’s recruitment drive has drawn comparisons to past eras at Arsenal and Newcastle, where French players were signed in large numbers.
Masuaku joins a growing French-speaking contingent at the Stadium of Light, which already includes Timothée Pembélé, Pierre Ekwah, Habib Diarra, Enzo Le Fée, Abdoullah Ba, Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor.
Ekwah, however, is expected to return to AS Saint-Étienne before the transfer window closes.
Known for his pace, overlapping runs and ability to stretch opposition defences, Masuaku brings a wealth of top-flight experience to what is otherwise a youthful squad — the average age of Sunderland’s current first team stands at just 24.
His arrival is expected to provide balance on the left flank, both defensively and offensively, as the club prepares for its first season back in the Premier League.
Manager Régis Le Bris has made no secret of his ambition to blend emerging talent with proven professionals capable of adapting to the intensity of England’s top tier.
Welcome to Sunderland AFC, Arthur Masuaku! ❤️👋
The left-back signs a two-year contract and becomes the Club’s 10th summer signing.
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 10, 2025
Masuaku, with his mix of Premier League and European competition experience, fits neatly into that vision.
While Sunderland’s summer spending has raised eyebrows, the club’s recruitment strategy appears focused on building a cohesive and competitive squad for the long term.
The addition of a player with Masuaku’s pedigree is seen as both a tactical reinforcement and a leadership boost in a dressing room stacked with potential.
Masuaku is expected to be integrated quickly into Le Bris’s plans and could make his debut in the coming weeks as Sunderland look to establish themselves in the Premier League and justify their significant investment in the transfer market.
