Sunderland’s transfer window opens following the confirmation of their contract with West Ham United

Sunderland now has the opportunity to pursue Divin Mubama after it was reported that the striker will be leaving West Ham.

The 19-year-old Mubama’s contract was set to expire today, and the Hammers have now officially announced that he will be leaving the team after the Premier League team was unable to reach a consensus on an extension with the forward.

Although they stated they “remained in talks regarding a potential new contract” with Mubama at the time, West Ham made their retained list public earlier this summer.

But Mubama will now become a free agent after the London team was unable to persuade him to stay, which will surely catch Sunderland’s interest.

Initially enrolling in the academy at the age of eight, Mubama spent a total of eleven years with West Ham. He progressed through the age divisions and earned eighteen first team appearances, playing in Europe, the Premier League, and domestic cup tournaments.

After having a successful 2022–2023 season, he was awarded Mark Noble’s Young Hammer of the Year. However, he only made five Premier League appearances with the first squad last season; the last one was in January.

Due to his struggles in the game, other teams expressed interest in Sunderland during the winter transfer window. Sunderland was first linked to West Brom and Everton in January.

Although West Ham declined to approve a loan leave in January, Sunderland has continued to monitor Mubama’s circumstances.

Young players from West Ham have been successful for Sunderland; Aji Alese and Pierre Ekwah both left the Hammers for Wearside and went on to establish themselves as important first team members at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland’s top objective this summer will be to bolster their forward line. The Black Cats will move forward with their recruitment plans following the hiring of head coach Regis Le Bris, who begins his job on Monday.

“West Ham United can confirm that Ben Johnson and Divin Mubama will leave the Club when their respective contracts expire at midnight on June 30, 2024,” read a statement from the club posted on Sunday.

“West Ham United would like to thank Ben and Divin for their hard work and commitment during their careers in Claret and Blue and wish them the very best in the future.”