Exclusive: Sunderland Line Up Shock Free-Transfer Swoop for Man United Defender Tyrell Malacia

Sunderland are ready to launch a summer raid for Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia, and the Black Cats believe they can snap him up for nothing, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The Premier League returnees have placed the Dutch full-back high on their transfer shortlist after a fine start to life back in the top-flight.

And with Malacia’s Old Trafford contract ticking down toward expiry, Sunderland chiefs are convinced the 26-year-old, once rated among Europe’s most exciting young defenders, represents one of the bargain opportunities of the next transfer window when it re-opens on 16th June.

Malacia’s contract expires on the 30th June, but he could still command a market value of around £10-15 million if fully fit, making a free transfer an even bigger coup.

Insiders say Sunderland are “working hard behind the scenes” and are prepared to offer Malacia a key first-team role, something he has struggled to secure at Manchester United following a nightmare run of injuries. 

Two serious knee setbacks stalled his progress just as he was beginning to establish himself, forcing lengthy rehabilitation spells and leaving him fighting to rebuild match sharpness over the past two seasons.

During that period, Malacia spent extended time outside the regular first-team picture and was lined up for loan moves designed to help him regain fitness and rhythm, but several planned temporary exits either collapsed late or were blocked as United’s defensive injury problems worsened. 

A deadline-day switch to Turkey earlier this year came closest, with the defender ready to travel before the deal was halted when United were suddenly left short of cover after injury to Patrick Dorgu.

LIMITED OPPORTUNITIES

Competition at Old Trafford has also worked against him. 

Luke Shaw’s return to fitness re-established the England star as first-choice left-back, while Diogo Dalot’s consistency across the back line limited opportunities elsewhere, leaving Malacia largely confined to a supporting role despite his ability to operate on either flank.

Our sources have learnt Leeds United and several European clubs are also monitoring the situation closely, aware that a fully fit Malacia still carries the reputation that once made him one of United’s most promising defensive recruits. 

But Sunderland believe the promise of regular Premier League football and the chance to rebuild his career as a guaranteed starter could give them the edge in the race for his signature.

With only months remaining on his contract and no serious progress on renewal talks, the writing appears to be on the wall for Malacia at Manchester United. 

And unless there is a dramatic late twist, the Black Cats are poised to swoop the moment the transfer window opens, hoping to turn one of the summer’s biggest free-transfer gambles into a Premier League success story.