Sunderland have confirmed the departure of former winger Bertrand Traoré, freeing the 30‑year‑old for a potential move to Turkish giants Trabzonspor. The Black Cats released the Burkina Faso international at the end of the 2025‑26 season, opening the door to a free‑transfer deal that Turkish media say is already under negotiation.

Why did Sunderland let Traoré go?

Traoré arrived at the Stadium of Light in September 2024 for around £2.5 million, signing a one‑year contract with an optional second year. Despite his résumé – spells at Chelsea, Lyon, Aston Villa, Villarreal and Ajax – he struggled to cement a regular spot, making just 12 Premier League appearances and scoring once before injuries curtailed his impact. Sunderland, sitting 7th in the Championship with 54 points after a 4‑game winning run, opted to free up wages and squad space ahead of the new campaign.

What does Trabzonspor want?

According to Africafoot, Trabzonspor have opened talks with Traoré’s representatives, eyeing him as a low‑cost attacking option. The Turkish side are assessing reinforcements as they prepare for the 2026‑27 season, and a free‑transfer signing with experience across England, France, Spain and the Netherlands fits their profile. Traoré’s 90‑plus caps for Burkina Faso add an international pedigree that could prove valuable in European competition.

How could this affect Sunderland’s plans?

Releasing Traoré frees roughly £500,000 in wages, allowing Sunderland to redirect funds toward younger talent or a proven Championship striker. The club’s recent form – 4W‑1D‑0L in the last five games, highlighted by a 2‑1 victory over Chelsea on 24 May 2026 – suggests they are building momentum. With a goal difference of –6 (42 scored, 48 conceded) and sitting 41 points behind league leaders Coventry, the Black Cats will need to reinforce quickly to keep pace.

What’s next for the winger?

If Trabzonspor finalise the deal, Traoré could join the Turkish side before the summer window closes, adding depth to their attack. Sunderland fans will likely watch the negotiations closely, hoping the move frees up resources for a summer recruitment drive. Until a formal announcement, the transfer remains speculative, but the interest from Trabzonspor signals that Traoré’s career is far from over.