Sunderland AFC: Double boost over potential Bournemouth AFC, Chris Mepham recall in January | OneFootball

The Black Cats' loanee doesn't believe he will be heading back to the Vitality Stadium this month.

Sunderland centre-back Chris Mepham believes he won't be recalled by AFC Bournemouth this month while the Cherries reportedly do not have a clause to cut his loan short.

His comments, made to the Northern Echo, will reassure Black Cats supporters who will want him to stay at the Stadium of Light for the remainder of the campaign.

Dan Ballard has struggled with injuries in the past season or two and Mepham has been able to form a very good relationship with Luke O'Nien at the back.

It has been a successful loan spell for both the Wearside outfit and the player, who has managed to win a decent amount of game time under his belt and has played a big part in the club's rise to the top end of the Championship table.

Regis Le Bris will be keen to hold on to the player for the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign because he could have a big say in whether the Black Cats secure a top-six finish at the end of the season.

He put in another bright performance against Sheffield United on Wednesday night and that reinforced just how important he is for Le Bris' men as they look to retain their place in the play-offs and push for automatic promotion.

Chris Mepham on chances of AFC Bournemouth recall

Whether he remains with the Black Cats for the whole season or not could have been a decision for Bournemouth to make, but the Northern Echo have reported that there isn't a recall clause in his contract.

And Mepham fully expects to stay on Wearside for the remainder of the campaign, telling the Northern Echo: "Yes, I’m expecting to be here, for sure. I've loved my time up here. I’m really confident that we can achieve something special this year.

"Hopefully, I can carry on playing a part in the team being successful."

Sunderland will be keen to retain Chris Mepham

The Black Cats have benefitted from having Mepham at their disposal.

It would be difficult to replace him in January and that's why it's great news for them that he doesn't seem to have a recall clause and that he is confident he'll be staying put.

In the absence of Ballard, he has been particularly important and has won his fair share of duels during his time at the Stadium of Light.

He could even be a good addition for the long term, though it's unclear whether the club will be able to sign him permanently.

A permanent agreement could be ideal for both the Wearside club and the player though. It will be interesting to see what unfolds.