PRESTON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 06: Chris Mepham of Sunderland shows appreciation to the fans following the Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End FC and Sunderland AFC at Deepdale on November 06, 2024 in Preston, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)
Chris Mepham’s Bournemouth contract and transfer situation explained after update and Sunderland promotion
Sunderland loanee Chris Mepham played a key role in the club’s Championship play-off final win over Sheffield United at Wembley, stepping up early to replace injured captain Luke O’Nien.
Sunderland loanee Chris Mepham played a key role in the club’s Championship play-off final win over Sheffield United at Wembley, stepping up early to replace injured captain Luke O’Nien.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Scotland international confirmed he is in talks with the club ahead of his contract expiring next summer. When Robertson’s current deal runs out, he’ll be 32, leading to doubts about the cost-effectiveness of the club handing him a lucrative new deal. Liverpool’s pursuit of Bournemouth star Milos Kerkez — part of a broader squad rebuild — means that whether he stays or not, the Scot will have stiff competition at left-back.
WHAT ROBERTSON SAID
According to This Is Anfield, Robertson said: “We have discussed [my future], of course we have. We’ve had good discussions, me and the club, but what the future holds, I’m not sure. All I know is I fly off on holiday and it’s well needed. I need a rest after a long season, and then I look forward to pre-season.”
He added: “I know the position I’m in, I know I’ve only got a year left. A lot’s getting spoken about it, a lot’s getting said, but my pure focus is focusing on being a dad for the next couple of weeks and enjoying that time with the kids. Then I’ll try and come back in the best shape possible for pre-season, and then we’ll see what the future holds when those decisions come.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
It’s understandable that the two-time Premier League title winner is keen to get away from the rumours and enjoy a well-earned break. The Premier League stalwart played 45 games for Slot’s team in all competitions last season, and he’s racked up over 340 appearances in total since joining the club in 2017, becoming an ever-present and one of the most admired full-backs in British football.
WHAT NEXT FOR ROBERTSON?
Reports from inside the Bournemouth camp suggest Kerkez’s move to Liverpool is a sure thing, heaping pressure on Robertson in the run-up to Liverpool’s attempted title defence. But the Scotland captain could still opt to stay and fight for his place. Either way, his recent comments suggest that fans will have to wait at least a couple more weeks to find out his next move.
