Sunderland agree Arthur Masuaku exit as Konyaspor close in on free transfer

Arthur Masuaku is closing in on a return to Turkish football after Sunderland reportedly agreed to release the experienced defender so he can join Konyaspor on a free transfer.

The DR Congo international only arrived at the Stadium of Light last summer following the expiry of his contract at Beşiktaş, but his spell on Wearside is now expected to end after just one season.

Reports from Turkey suggest the move is in its final stages, with only the remaining formalities preventing the transfer from being completed.

According to Turkish outlet Konya'nın Sesi, Sunderland have agreed to release Masuaku despite the 32-year-old still having one year remaining on his contract.

The report claims Konyaspor will not pay a transfer fee, with the Black Cats prepared to allow the left-back to leave as part of a mutual agreement.

Masuaku struggled to establish himself under Régis Le Bris following Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League, making just three league appearances before falling out of the first-team picture.

A loan move to French side RC Lens in January also failed to reignite his season, with the defender making only four league appearances during the second half of the campaign.

The Turkish Super Lig club are now reported to have reached an agreement in principle with Masuaku over a two-year contract.

Only the final contractual details remain before the former West Ham United defender travels to Turkey to complete a medical and officially sign for his new club.

Having previously spent three seasons at Beşiktaş, Masuaku is already familiar with Turkish football, making the move an attractive option as he looks to secure regular first-team football.

Masuaku hinted earlier this year that he did not expect to return to Sunderland after his loan spell in France, and his anticipated departure appears to suit both player and club.

From Sunderland's perspective, allowing the defender to leave frees up space in the squad and removes the wage commitment attached to the final year of his contract.

For Masuaku, the move offers the opportunity to return to a league where he previously enjoyed some of the most consistent football of his career.

With Sunderland continuing to reshape their squad ahead of the new Premier League season, further departures could follow as Le Bris refines his options.

Masuaku is expected to travel to Turkey in the coming days to complete his medical and finalise the transfer. Sunderland will then continue preparations for the new Premier League campaign while assessing further changes to Régis Le Bris' squad before the transfer window closes.