Sunderland have signed Austria defender Kevin Danso from Tottenham on loan until the end of the season, with the deal potentially becoming permanent for £22.5m if Regis Le Bris’ side remain in the Premier League.
The Black Cats will pay £2.5m for the loan arrangement, while the purchase clause will be triggered next summer should Sunderland avoid relegation.
Danso said he was eager to begin his time at the club and praised Sunderland’s ambitions.
“I’m really happy to be here, and I can’t wait to get started,” said Danso.
“Sunderland is a big club with huge ambition, and I’m excited to be part of what we’re building this season.”
The 27-year-old defender joins after making 52 appearances for Tottenham since moving to the club from RC Lens in January 2025. His arrival strengthens Sunderland’s defensive options as they prepare for their first European campaign since 1973.
Danso’s departure is also linked to Tottenham’s efforts to reshape their defence. Roberto De Zerbi’s side are closing in on the signing of Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo, with a bid for the former Fulham and Manchester City player accepted on Monday night.
Adarabioyo, 28, developed through Manchester City’s academy before completing a permanent move to Fulham in 2020. He left Fulham when his contract expired in 2024 and subsequently joined Chelsea.
Since arriving at Stamford Bridge, Adarabioyo has made more than 70 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions. During that period, he has won both the Conference League and the Club World Cup.
The potential move to Tottenham would follow a busy period of transfer activity for the 2025 Europa League winners, who also signed Chelsea attacker Mykhailo Mudryk on loan before Tuesday night’s deadline.
For Sunderland, Danso’s signing provides experience at the back ahead of a season combining Premier League football with European competition. The Austrian’s deal gives the club the option of securing his long-term future, but only if they can retain their top-flight status.
The move also marks the end of Danso’s spell at Tottenham after just over a year at the club. His 52 appearances for Spurs came after his January 2025 transfer from RC Lens, and he will now join a Sunderland squad preparing for its first European campaign in more than five decades.