Salis Abdul Samed’s loan move to Sunderland initially appeared to be a bit of a gamble, especially considering the delayed start to his spell at the Stadium of Light. The 24-year-old Ghanaian midfielder didn’t make his debut until Sunderland’s FA Cup defeat to Stoke City in January, leaving many fans wondering whether the Black Cats had made the right decision in bringing him in. His arrival from RC Lens in the summer transfer window was met with cautious optimism, but a combination of factors, including injury or tactical decisions, kept him out of the first team for longer than expected.

However, as time has passed, Samed has begun to show his quality, and a series of impressive performances in recent matches has put him in the spotlight, with many Sunderland fans and officials likely now considering whether a permanent move could be a worthwhile investment for the club. After all, Samed’s natural talent and composure on the ball have started to shine through in the Championship, and he’s quickly become an important piece in Tony Mowbray’s midfield puzzle. His debut in the 2-2 draw against Plymouth Argyle, where he earned praise for his solid performance, was the turning point, and his impact off the bench against Middlesbrough solidified his position as someone capable of contributing at this level.

Despite these promising signs, the issue of a permanent move is complicated. When Sunderland signed Samed last summer, it was under a loan deal with no option to buy, meaning Sunderland doesn’t have a built-in agreement to make his transfer permanent at the end of the season. While his recent form could prompt a reevaluation of that stance, RC Lens, his parent club, holds all the cards. Having joined Lens on a five-year contract from Clermont in 2022 for a reported fee of €5 million (£4.16 million), Samed is still under contract with the French side, and his future could be influenced by a variety of factors, including Lens’s financial position and their plans for the player.

Interestingly, RC Lens had reportedly considered selling Samed last summer, with some reports suggesting they were open to offers in order to raise funds, valuing him at around €8 million (£6.66 million). This price tag could be a tough one for Sunderland to meet, especially given that Samed would have only had half a season of Championship experience under his belt by the time the summer transfer window opens. For Sunderland, this would be a significant financial commitment, particularly when considering the club’s current budget and the fact that Samed has yet to play a full season in English football.

That being said, Sunderland’s stance could shift, especially if the team achieves promotion to the Premier League. If they do earn a top-flight return, the financial resources available to the club would increase, and the potential for securing a permanent move for a player like Samed, who has shown he can contribute to the team’s midfield, could become a more realistic and attractive option. Moreover, with the club’s midfield needing reinforcements to compete at the highest level, Samed could offer the necessary experience and technical quality that Sunderland would need to hold their own in the Premier League.

In terms of his performances on the pitch, Samed has proven himself to be a composed and technically capable player, able to dictate the tempo of the game and bring a sense of calm to Sunderland’s midfield. His ability to read the game, make intelligent passes, and retain possession under pressure has been evident in his recent displays. These qualities are what make him such an intriguing prospect for Sunderland’s long-term plans, as the Black Cats look to build a team capable of thriving in the Premier League. Given that Samed has played 72 matches for RC Lens, scoring once and providing an assist, his pedigree is already well-established, and Sunderland’s fans are now starting to see that experience translate into his performances in England.

Looking ahead, Sunderland’s decision regarding Samed could come down to several factors: his continued form, the club’s promotion chances, and whether RC Lens remains open to selling the player. Samed’s quality is certainly there, but whether Sunderland can pull off a permanent deal at a price that makes sense for them will remain to be seen. If he can maintain his recent performances, it would be hard to ignore the possibility of making him a permanent part of the Sunderland squad, particularly if the club is aiming to consolidate its position in the Premier League after a potential promotion.

For now, Sunderland fans will be hoping that Samed can continue to grow into his role and keep up his good performances. If he does, the Black Cats might find themselves seriously contemplating a summer move for the Ghanaian midfielder, whether on a permanent transfer or potentially exploring any negotiations with RC Lens. It’s clear that Sunderland has a player with potential, and whether he stays beyond the summer will depend on a mix of factors, both on and off the pitch.