Sunderland AFC must still rue player’s exit to Watford - It could have saved them from relegation | OneFootball

How Younès Kaboul became the defensive general of Sunderland's great escape

When Younes Kaboul arrived at Sunderland in 2015, few could have anticipated the impact he would have on the Black Cats’ survival bid.

Despite early struggles with fitness and discipline, the French defender grew into a crucial presence at the heart of Sunderland’s backline.

His partnership with Lamine Koné under Sam Allardyce became the defensive foundation that steered the Black Cats to safety in the 2015–16 season.

His signing was met with surprise, given the infamous comments made by his agent years earlier, stating that Kaboul "wouldn't join Sunderland even if there was an earthquake."

However, upon arriving at the club, the centre-back quickly dispelled any doubts.

“I'm delighted to be a Sunderland player, and it's an honour to join this club,” Kaboul said at the time.

The defensive rock who secured survival

Kaboul’s defining moment came on May 11, 2016, when he delivered a commanding, man-of-the-match performance in a 3-0 victory over Everton.

The win confirmed Sunderland’s survival, sparking emotional celebrations in which Kaboul himself was moved to tears.

It was a night that epitomised his influence - not just as a defender, but as a leader who had become deeply invested in the club's fate.

His influence extended beyond his defensive solidity; he was an organiser, a vocal presence on the pitch, and a player whose experience proved invaluable in high-pressure situations.

His calm authority, described at the time as "reassuringly steady," saw him emerge as a key figure in the dressing room.

Kaboul had embraced the culture, understanding what survival meant to the city and its fans.

As he put it, "Staying up is important for this club, of course, but it’s more important for the north-east of England. It would mean a lot to the people here."

However, Sunderland’s fortunes would take a dramatic turn the following season.

Kaboul played just one game in the 2016–17 campaign before seeking a move back to the London area for personal reasons.

The club ultimately accepted a bid from Watford, and without their defensive lynchpin, Sunderland descended into chaos.

Under David Moyes, the team leaked goals and lacked resilience, ultimately finishing bottom of the Premier League.

The stability Kaboul had helped instill vanished, and with it, Sunderland’s place in the top flight.

Kaboul’s absence and Sunderland’s decline

In hindsight, Sunderland’s decision to allow Kaboul to leave was a pivotal moment in their downfall.

His departure exposed the fragility of their defence and removed a player who had embodied the fight and determination required for a relegation battle. The Black Cats sorely missed his leadership, both on and off the pitch.

The defensive frailties in Kaboul’s absence were evident throughout the season, as Sunderland conceded 69 goals: one of the worst defensive records in the league.

While Lamine Koné had shone alongside Kaboul the previous year, he struggled without his experienced partner, and the backline was left disorganised and exposed.

Meanwhile, Kaboul’s time at Watford started well, as he became a regular in their defence during the 2016-17 season. However, injuries limited his involvement in his second year, and he made just two appearances before mutually agreeing to leave the club in December 2018.

Despite his short stint at Vicarage Road, it’s hard not to wonder what might have been had Sunderland convinced him to stay for one more season.

Reflecting on his time at the Stadium of Light, Kaboul spoke fondly of Sunderland, suggesting the club and its passionate fanbase had left a lasting mark on him.

“It’s weird because I think it’s more than football,” he once said. “It’s the people; it’s the human beings in the city. Niall Quinn was right when he said Sunderland gets under your skin. That’s exactly what happened.”

The club’s relegation from the Premier League in 2017 marked the beginning of a steep decline, leading to a second consecutive relegation into League One.

While many factors contributed to their demise, losing a defender of Kaboul’s quality and leadership at a critical moment remains one of the club’s biggest regrets.