Sunderland supporters have plenty to cheer about this weekend, as the club’s transfer dealings and pre-season preparations ramp up ahead of their much-anticipated Premier League return. The Black Cats, fresh off promotion and eager to prove their mettle, have made a statement in the market with the signing of Arthur Masuaku, a move that’s already sparking excitement across Wearside and beyond.
It’s official—Arthur Masuaku, the 31-year-old Congolese international and former West Ham United fan favorite, has joined Sunderland on a free transfer. The deal, confirmed on August 9, 2025, sees Masuaku signing a two-year contract after parting ways with Turkish giants Besiktas, where he made 108 appearances. The move, first reported by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano with his trademark “Here we go!” announcement, brings a wealth of Premier League experience to Régis Le Bris’ squad at a crucial time.
Masuaku’s arrival is more than just another addition to Sunderland’s growing list of summer signings—it’s a strategic boost to a defense that will need to withstand the rigors of top-flight football. The left-back is renowned for his attacking instincts, technical ability, and versatility. He made a name for himself at West Ham, notching up 105 Premier League appearances (and 23 more in other competitions) over seven years in East London. His penchant for surging runs and pinpoint crosses made him a cult hero among Hammers supporters, who affectionately dubbed him “King Arthur.”
“Arthur Masuaku to Sunderland, here we go! Deal agreed with the left-back,” Romano wrote on X on Friday. “Exclusive details: he’s signing a two year deal at #SAFC with medical completed today. Masuaku, next signing for Sunderland project with more to follow.” According to Romano and several British outlets, Masuaku’s medical was completed on August 8, paving the way for the official unveiling just days before Sunderland’s pre-season double-header and the Premier League opener.
Masuaku’s journey back to England comes after a successful spell at Besiktas, where he became a mainstay in the Turkish Super Lig, featuring in 47 games last season alone. Prior to his Turkish adventure, Masuaku’s career included stints at Valenciennes and Olympiacos, with his performances in Greece earning him a move to West Ham in 2016. There, he developed a close friendship with Declan Rice, now of Arsenal, who once described Masuaku as “excellent” and often praised his contributions on and off the pitch. Rice famously recounted a candid moment in 2019 after Masuaku’s red card against Aston Villa, telling Sky Sports, “To be fair, I just said to Arthur then, ‘what are you doing?’ And he looked at me and said it wasn’t a foul... But Arthur’s been excellent since he’s come back into the team.”
Masuaku’s signing is the tenth addition to Sunderland’s squad this summer, capping off a remarkable recruitment drive that also includes Granit Xhaka, Enzo Le Fee, Habib Diarra, Marc Guiu, Noah Sadiki, Reinildo Mandava, Chemsdine Talbi, Robin Roefs, and Simon Adingra. The club’s aggressive approach in the transfer market signals a clear intent: Sunderland are determined to buck the trend of promoted sides struggling to survive, especially with each of the last six promoted teams suffering relegation over the past two years.
Manager Régis Le Bris now finds himself with enviable options on the left flank. With both Masuaku and Reinildo Mandava in the fold, Sunderland can deploy Reinildo as a center-back if needed, adding even more tactical flexibility. Masuaku’s attacking prowess and comfort in possession should help the Black Cats build from the back and create overloads down the left, a potential game-changer as they face the Premier League’s elite.
The timing of Masuaku’s arrival couldn’t be better. Sunderland are set for two pre-season fixtures this weekend: an away clash with Augsburg and a home tie against Rayo Vallecano. The squad will be split for these encounters, offering Le Bris a final chance to assess his options before the league campaign kicks off. Fans are buzzing with anticipation over possible first glimpses of new signings Marc Guiu and the return of young talent Chris Rigg. The pre-season matches will also provide clues about the likely starting XI for Sunderland’s Premier League opener against West Ham United—a fixture dripping with narrative and nostalgia.
Indeed, the opening weekend will see Sunderland face none other than Masuaku’s former club, West Ham, at the Stadium of Light. The Hammers, now under the stewardship of Graham Potter, are themselves in transition. With financial constraints and key departures, West Ham are fighting to avoid being labeled relegation candidates, while Sunderland are eager to prove they belong in the top flight. The reunion between Masuaku and his old teammates adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already tantalizing matchup.
West Ham supporters will remember Masuaku not just for his skill but for his memorable moments—none more so than his mishit yet spectacular winning goal against Chelsea in December 2021, a strike that sent the London Stadium into raptures. Sunderland fans, for their part, are hoping the Congolese international can replicate some of that magic in red and white. “King Arthur” left West Ham with an emotional farewell, saying he “always felt loved there with you” as he departed for Turkey. Now, he’s back in the Premier League, ready for a new adventure and eager to help Sunderland write the next chapter of their storied history.
Elsewhere, Sunderland’s summer business has been partly funded by the sale of Jobe Bellingham, with the club reinvesting wisely—most notably beating West Ham to the signature of Habib Diarra. The Black Cats’ recruitment strategy has drawn praise from pundits and fans alike, as they seek to avoid the pitfalls that have befallen other recently promoted sides. The club’s last-minute winner over Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final ended an eight-year absence from the Premier League, and optimism is running high on Wearside.
Looking ahead, Sunderland’s opening fixture against West Ham will be a litmus test for both clubs. For Sunderland, it’s a chance to showcase their new-look squad and signal their intent to stay up. For West Ham, it’s the beginning of a new era under Potter, with plenty of questions about their own ambitions. One thing’s for sure: with Masuaku back in English football and set to face his former club right out of the gate, all eyes will be on the Stadium of Light next weekend.
As the pre-season draws to a close and the Premier League curtain rises, Sunderland’s fans can’t help but feel a surge of hope. With Arthur Masuaku anchoring the left side and a raft of new signings bolstering the squad, the Black Cats are primed for a memorable campaign. Whether they can defy the odds and secure their top-flight status remains to be seen, but for now, the mood on Wearside is one of excitement and anticipation.
