Did masuaku turn down a new contract at besiktas? Seems he done well there so wpuld be strange if they let him go
Sunderland AFC is delighted to announce the signing of Arthur Masuaku, subject to international clearance. The left-back signs a two-year contract and becomes the Club’s 10th summer signing following the arrivals of Enzo Le Fée, Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, Reinildo Mandava, Chemsdine Talbi, Simon Adingra, Granit Xhaka, Robin Roefs, and Marc Guiu. Masuaku, 31, returns to the Premier League after a three-year absence, having represented West Ham United 128 times from 2016 to 2023. After departing East London for Beşiktaş J.K, the DR Congo international made 108 appearances and registered 18 assists for the Turkish Süper Lig side before leaving Istanbul this summer. Upon arrival, Masuaku said: “I’m excited to be here and I’m also really happy to be back in the Premier League. It’s clear that Sunderland is a top Club and I’m grateful for the opportunity. I had three good years in Turkey, and now I have this exciting new challenge in front of me. I want to bring a winning mentality and joy to the fans, and I’m excited to get started.” Born in Lille, Masuaku started his career with RC Lens before joining Valenciennes FC and progressing through the Club’s academy and making 29 senior appearances. A move to Olympiacos followed in 2014 for the then 20-year-old, who quickly settled in Greece by registering two assists on his league debut and scoring on his UEFA Champions League debut. Masuaku collected two Super League titles and won the Greek Cup during his time in Piraeus, which concluded in 2016 when he joined West Ham. The defender became a cult hero during his time at the London Stadium, with fans dubbing him ‘King Arthur’ throughout a seven-year spell in the capital. A Turkish Cup and Turkish Super Cup followed in Istanbul for Masuaku, who has also represented his nation 36 times. Kristjaan Speakman added: “Arthur’s a player with considerable Premier League experience and a different profile to enhance our squad. He’s a well-rounded full back who is strong in possession and not only impacts defensively, but also in the final third. He is eager to share his knowledge and experiences with the group, and this benefits the environment we are continuing to build. We are delighted to have secured him, and we will get to work immediately to integrate him into our squad, so he can make a positive impact as quickly as possible.”
I can see him playing at LB this afternoon. Hopefully he's brought in with a view of being a LWB IF we decide to go three at the back at times.
A big part of it is that he’s being somewhat misused imo. Out wide, as a ten. He’s an orthodox central midfielder. He needs to be played deeper to get the best out of him in my view.
Interesting thoughts mate. Defo an element I get what you’re saying. I will say when he’s on form he’s a joy to watch. I do question if he does quite enough as a ten. Him moving back in the playoff final changed it all imo. He just grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck, which was why I was slightly surprised he started pre season as a ten and not deeper. I think the midfield 3 from yesterday could be the way to go, so much power and energy between the 3, so much ground covered. Where elf will needs to deliver and what sets him apart from everyone else, is his quality to create chances for us. I really like the balance and options we have in midfield.
Might have made Elf some decent money in signing on fees etc so far . I agree though, directly engaging with fans is really bloody stupid. I often wonder how easy it is for players to ditch an agent, as an aside. I assume they have contracts with fixed end dates. Might cost them a fair bit to terminate early?
He isn’t as of right now , that’s why he’s with the group today. They will be the subs that are getting 90 mins to be fresh
