Sunderland Ready To Hijack Deal For West-Ham Target Kyle Walker-Peters

Sunderland are ready to enter the race for Ex-Southampton fullback Kyle Walker-Peters on a free transfer, beating off interest from West Ham.

The 28-year-old is currently without a club after his Saints contract expired at the end of June.

With a host of clubs keen to snap up the twice-capped England international, Walker-Peters has no shortage of suitors.

The Tottenham academy graduate has been linked with a return to north London in recent weeks.

Fulham, Everton and Leeds United have also been touted as possible destinations.

But it’s West Ham United who were thought to be leading the race for Walker-Peters’ signature.

However, with no advanced talks between club and player, the Irons’ hesitancy to act might be about to cost them dearly.

That’s because Sunderland are now thought to be keen on bringing the right-back to the Stadium of Light as they build their squad for a Premier League return.

Walker-Peters left the Saints after Southampton were relegated from the Premier League.

Bringing to an end a five-and-a-half year stay 😇

Thank you to Kyle Walker-Peters, who will leave the club at the end of his contract ❤️ pic.twitter.com/kJK3qm4j5U

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) June 25, 2025

Kyle Walker-Peters Sunderland Move Could Suit Both Parties

Sunderland secured promotion back to the Premier League via the play-offs last season.

The Black Cats know they need to overhaul their squad if they are to have any hope of survival.

With the gap between the Premier League and the Championship growing each year, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for promoted sides to survive.

All three sides to come up from the Championship have been sent straight back down in the past two years.

And so Sunderland must recruit smartly to give themselves the best chance of staying up.

They recently earned £27 million from the record sale of Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund.

But with transfer funds needed throughout their squad, the free agent market can provide cheaper reinforcements.

And in Walker-Peters, Sunderland could sign a proven, Premier League quality defender with bags of experience.

His versatility could also be hugely important throughout the course of a gruelling league campaign.

While primarily a right-sided fullback, Walker-Peters spent much of the last two seasons on the left for Southampton, and has been deployed in a more advanced winger position on occasion.

For the player, a move to an ambitious Premier League side, where he would be first-choice, is an ideal move.

🚨 Kyle Walker-Peters with a farewell message to Southampton on Instagram #saintsfc pic.twitter.com/YULqAX97ei

— SaintsExtra (@SaintsExtra) June 25, 2025

Niall Huggins Injury Leaves Sunderland Short

As it stands, Sunderland only have two fit recognised right backs in their senior squad.

The versatile Trai Hume has been deployed across the entire back-line, and may well be needed to fill in elsewhere throughout a season.

Meanwhile, Timothée Joseph Pembélé spent last season on loan with La Havre, and may not be ready for the Premier League.

And long-term injured Niall Huggins has not played since 2023-24 after having surgery on a career-threatening knee injury.

This leaves Sunderland light of depth and quality at right back.

As a result, a player of Walker-Peters’ profile would make a shrewd signing, particularly given he is available on a free transfer.

Sunderland know they will face competition for his signature.

But the club are thought to be keen to strengthen from 1-11, and Walker-Peters is firmly on their radar.

𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙈𝙋𝙄𝙊𝙉𝙎𝙃𝙄𝙋 𝙁𝙇𝘼𝙎𝙃𝘽𝘼𝘾𝙆! ⏪

A throwback to when Kyle Walker-Peters bent home this curling effort on his WEAKER foot for Southampton to help them seal a 1-0 win over Bristol City in November 2023! 🤩

𝙎𝙐𝙋𝙀𝙍𝘽! 👏#SaintsFCpic.twitter.com/3FWki6AyOv

— The Championship Chat Podcast (@Champchatpod24) June 22, 2025

West Ham Kyle Walker-Peters Delay Might Cost Irons

One club who could lose out on signing Walker-Peters is West Ham.

The Irons have been heavily linked with the former Saints man, and were thought to be leading the race.

But with no sign of a deal yet in place, their hesitance may now leave the door open for Sunderland.

And according to reports, Turkish club Besiktas are also now interested in Walker-Peters.

With so many clubs circling, West Ham will need to move quickly is they are to avoid missing out on their man.