Austria defender Kevin Danso joins Sunderland on loan from Tottenham

Kevin Danso is leaving Tottenham in search of the regular playing time he could not secure in north London. The Austria international defender has joined Sunderland on loan until the end of the season, with the Premier League club reportedly facing a £25 million purchase obligation if performance conditions are met.

If the obligation takes effect, Danso would become the most expensive Austrian footballer. Tottenham said the clause includes sporting conditions, but the precise terms were not immediately known. Danso underwent his medical in Sunderland on Tuesday.

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fearless, dominant defender

The 27-year-old asked to leave Tottenham last week. Manager Roberto De Zerbi confirmed the request over the weekend, when Danso was left out of the squad for Tottenham’s 2-0 defeat by Sunderland’s local rivals Newcastle United.

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an important factor in my decision

Danso initially moved from Lens to Tottenham on loan in February 2025, before the London club made the transfer permanent the following summer for a reported €25 million. He played 52 competitive matches for Tottenham and helped the club win the Europa League in 2025, but never became an undisputed starter. His contract runs until 2030.

At Sunderland, Danso joins a squad featuring former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka, Thomas Meunier and Netherlands striker Brian Brobbey. The club, a six-time English champion, finished seventh last season after returning to the top flight. Sunderland described Danso as a “fearless, dominant defender.” Danso said the club’s football director, Florent Ghisolfi, whom he knows from Lens, was “an important factor in my decision.” He added: “Sunderland is a big club with big ambitions, and I am excited to be part of what we are building this season.”

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Sunderland is a big club with big ambitions, and I am excited to be part of what we are building this season.