Sunderland’s Summer: Lens Signed, Lombaerts Deal Collapses

Lens seals move to Wearside

Sunderland completed the signing of Dutch winger Jeremain Lens on a £9 million transfer from Dinamo Kiev. The player, who had previously worked with manager Dick Advocaat at both PSV Eindhoven and AZ, confirmed he was “really keen on a transfer” and hoped to make the step up to the Premier League. Lens said he was in talks with the club but that a medical examination had not yet taken place. The agreement was hastened after the collapse of a deal for Stewart Downing, leaving Advocaat with a pressing need for a right‑wing option.

The Blackburn signing followed the earlier arrivals of centre‑back Sebastian Coates and left‑back Adam Matthews

.

Owner Ellis Short kept his promise to invest before the 2015‑16 campaign, aiming to give Advocaat a full‑strength squad. The Lens deal was finalised just one day after the club confirmed Coates and Matthews, underlining the rapid pace of the summer window. With the player’s previous rapport with the manager, the club felt confident the winger would integrate quickly.

Lombaerts deal collapses

A separate target, Belgian defender Nicolas Lombaerts, looked close to a move from Zenit St Petersburg. The club had agreed terms with the player, who was expected to join at the Stadium of Light. However, Lombaerts later indicated he preferred to remain with Zenit, causing the transfer to fall through. The setback left Advocaat without the intended centre‑back reinforcement and forced the manager to adjust his defensive plans.

The failed signing added a wrinkle to Short’s plan of overhauling the back line before the season opener. With Lens already on board, the club will look to Bolster the defensive ranks elsewhere. The summer window is now winding down, and Sunderland will assess whether the existing signings are sufficient for a successful 2015‑16 campaign.

Other signings boost squad

In addition to Lens, Sunderland already secured Sebastian Coates and Adam Matthews. Both arrivals were seen as key components of a rejuvenated defensive unit. The club’s early activity demonstrated Short’s commitment to invest ahead of the season, aiming to improve the team’s chances of avoiding relegation. Meanwhile, the manager continued to scout for depth, aware that the squad would need to be flexible across the Premier League schedule.

Advocaat’s vision and season outlook

Manager Dick Advocaat had initially hesitated to stay on, but an assurance of squad investment helped keep him in charge. His preference for signing players he already knew contributed to the Lens capture, highlighting a strategic approach to team building. Looking ahead, Sunderland’s immediate focus is to integrate the new signings and close any remaining gaps before the first competitive fixture.

The club’s summer activity, while not complete, signals a concerted effort to strengthen a side that finished the previous campaign in a challenging position. Fans and analysts will watch how quickly the new arrivals settle and whether the squad can meet the high expectations set by the pre‑season hype.