Sunderland shut door on Brian Brobbey exit after Como interest

Brian Brobbey is set to remain at Sunderland despite serious interest from Como, with the Black Cats making it clear that their first-choice striker is not for sale.

According to Voetbal International, the Serie A club were prepared to explore a Deadline Day move for the Netherlands international after tracking him for some time.

Como coach Cesc Fabregas is believed to be a major admirer of the 24-year-old, but Sunderland's position has prevented negotiations from even getting started.

Brobbey's performances last season and at the 2026 World Cup had strengthened interest in the former Ajax striker.

Como subsequently identified him as an attacking target and made their interest known to Sunderland.

However, the Premier League club quickly dismissed the possibility.

VI reports that Sunderland consider a Brobbey transfer non-negotiable, with the striker remaining an important part of Régis Le Bris' plans.

Como were effectively informed of that position before they could submit an opening offer, preventing their interest from developing into formal negotiations.

That represents a significant change from earlier speculation suggesting Brobbey could become a late alternative for the Italian club.

There is little pressure on Sunderland to cash in.

Brobbey only joined from Ajax last summer for around €20million and remains under contract until the summer of 2029.

He subsequently established himself as an important part of Le Bris' attack, scoring seven Premier League goals and providing one assist across 31 appearances during his first season in England.

His performances also attracted attention during the World Cup, further raising his profile.

With Sunderland viewing Brobbey as their main central striker, allowing him to leave this late in the window would also leave the club with very little time to find an adequate replacement.

The Black Cats have therefore chosen certainty over potentially testing the market for a substantial fee.

While his Sunderland future now appears settled, Brobbey is still looking for his first Premier League goal of the new campaign.

The Dutchman failed to score during the 1-0 victory over Fulham and was also kept off the scoresheet in the 2-1 defeat against Ipswich Town.

Those early numbers have not changed Sunderland's assessment of his importance.

Como's interest demonstrates that Brobbey continues to attract attention elsewhere, but with Sunderland unwilling even to entertain an opening proposal, he is expected to remain at the Stadium of Light beyond the transfer deadline.

Como will have to pursue another attacking target after Sunderland closed the door on negotiations.

For Brobbey, attention now returns entirely to Sunderland. After his future was settled, his immediate objective will be rediscovering the goalscoring form that made him such an important figure last season.