Major Update Regarding 22-Year-Old Defender Could Alter Sunderland Summer Plans: What Should The Black Cats Do?

New reports from German outlet Kicker, relayed by fussballtransfers, suggest Jenson Seelt is in a tough spot at VfL Wolfsburg. His loan spell is ending on a flat note. The Dutch defender moved to the Bundesliga side from Sunderland last summer with a buyout option. However, the German club now seem to be deciding whether to trigger that clause.

Sunderland loanee Jenson Seelt faces an uncertain future

Frequent injuries ruined his time in the car city. These setbacks have kept the 22-year-old out of the first-team picture for most of this season. This recent transfer news points to a clear pattern of unavailability. This same problem followed the player since he first joined Sunderland.

Analysis of the Wearside dilemma

Jenson Seelt is a big presence on the pitch at 1.95 metres. However, his career is stuck right now because of a string of bad injuries. The former PSV Eindhoven prospect worked hard to recover from a torn ACL in 2024. Even so, he found it hard to nail down a starting spot under Régis Le Bris before he headed to Germany.

He plays for the Dutch youth team, but he can’t get into the rhythm he needs to push for the senior squad. This also prevents him from getting regular starts at the club level. Sunderland have the defender under contract until 2028. This long deal puts the club in a tricky position when it comes to figuring out his future.

Major Update Regarding 22-Year-Old Sunderland Defender
WOLFSBURG, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 02: Jenson Seelt of Wolfsburg during the Bundesliga match between VfL Wolfsburg and TSG Hoffenheim at Volkswagen Arena on November 02, 2025 in Wolfsburg, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

The Black Cats need to focus on getting him fit and back into the team’s plans. They should avoid trying to move him out again right away. Sunderland are playing in the Premier League now. This jump in quality means they need defenders who are both reliable and can stay healthy.

Régis Le Bris should bring Seelt back into training this summer. This will let him and the other coaches see if his body can handle the intensity of top-flight English football. If he doesn’t look fit enough during the 2026 pre-season, another loan to a strong Championship team might be the best bet.

This would give Seelt the minutes he needs to get his value back up. Sunderland put money into his potential two years ago; they shouldn’t settle for a cheap sale while his value is at its lowest. If they give Seelt a clear way back into the lineup, he could still become a top-tier defender for the club.