Speaking to the Roker Report Podcast, Sunderland owner Stewart Donald has said that he would be “amazed” if loaned out defender Lamine Kone remains with the club beyond the upcoming summer transfer window.
Sunderland owner Stewart Donald has said that he believes it is highly unlikely that defender Lamine Kone will pull on a Sunderland shirt again, with a summer move to Sunderland highly likely.
Upon the Black Cats’ relegation to League One, it seemed almost certain that the Ivorian would make a permanent move away from the Stadium of Light. But, he ended up joining Ligue 1 side Strasbourg on loan for the 2018/19 season.
Now, Donald has said that he believes that it is “likely” that Strasbourg will exercise an option to sign Kone permanently at the end of the season.
“The club he’s at have got an option which they can exercise if they want to keep him for a fee, we believe that is likely,” Donald said.
“If that doesn’t happen based on what we’re being told and how we feel, I think he’ll find another club, I’d be amazed if you see Lamine back here in a Sunderland shirt.
“To be fair to him he came here he trained and he was honourable, I’ve got no issue with him. I think just with his stage of life he wants to go back and play in France.”
The 30-year-old has impressed in his spell back in France, making 27 appearances in all competitions, helping the club into 9th place in the Ligue 1 table. Kone has picked up two goals and an assist along the way as well (Transfermarkt).
