Sunderland have agreed a deal with Tottenham Hotspur to sign Austria international Kevin Danso on an initial season-long loan with an obligation to buy for around £25 million.
The 27-year-old centre-back is undergoing a medical on transfer deadline day after Spurs sanctioned his departure. Fabrizio Romano reported on Tuesday that an agreement is in place, with the permanent element of the deal set at approximately £25m.
The Guardian also reports that Danso’s move will initially be structured as a loan before triggering a mandatory £25m permanent transfer.
Danso asked Tottenham to let him leave
Danso’s departure follows a significant reshaping of Tottenham’s defence under head coach Roberto De Zerbi.
The Austria international had slipped down the pecking order following the arrivals of Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi, while new club captain Micky van de Ven remains a major part of De Zerbi’s plans.
Danso subsequently approached the Tottenham head coach and asked to leave.
“Danso came to me two days ago and he said he wants to leave,” De Zerbi said after Spurs’ 2-0 defeat by Newcastle United.
“I love these players, and they are great guys. I have very good relationships. But if they want to leave, they have to bring the economic solution to the club, and they can go and we find other players.”
Sunderland have now provided that solution.
The Black Cats had been pursuing Danso for several days and had already agreed personal terms with the defender before reaching a breakthrough with Tottenham.
Sunderland secure £25m obligation
The structure of the agreement allows Sunderland to take Danso initially on loan before completing a permanent transfer next summer.
Reports put the mandatory purchase fee at around £25m. Danso travelled to the North East ahead of his medical, with the remaining formalities expected to be completed before Tuesday’s 11pm transfer deadline.
The deal gives Sunderland another experienced Premier League defender as they strengthen Régis Le Bris’ squad.
Danso previously played in England with Southampton before establishing himself at Lens in France, where his performances ultimately earned him a move to Tottenham.
Spurs initially signed him from Lens on loan in February 2025 before completing a permanent transfer for around £21m. He has since made 52 appearances for the north London club across all competitions.
Tottenham move quickly for Danso replacement
Tottenham have already lined up Danso’s replacement.
Spurs have agreed a permanent deal with Chelsea for Tosin Adarabioyo, with The Guardian reporting that the centre-back will cost around £7m.
The move gives De Zerbi another right-footed central defensive option alongside Van Hecke, while Van de Ven, Senesi and Ben Davies provide left-footed alternatives.
Danso is one of several Tottenham players who have sought moves before the deadline. De Zerbi revealed that Pape Matar Sarr and Richarlison had also expressed a desire to leave.
For Sunderland, however, the immediate priority is completing Danso’s medical and paperwork.
The transfer has not yet been officially announced by either club, but with an agreement reached and the £25m obligation established, Danso is now on the verge of becoming a Sunderland player.
