Wearside Faithful Set to Leave Amid Championship Interest

Sunderland Fan Favourite Attracting Championship Interest

The Black Cats continue to disassemble the side that sought the dramatic EFL Championship play-off victory, and this is just another name to add to the transfer list. Limited Premier League minutes in a side that is performing well above its weight in the division thus far, so you could understand why a potential move could be on the cards.

A host of Championship sides are reported to be interested in his services, each team fighting for their own promotion story. We look into which move would make the most sense for an experienced EFL figure who has established a reputation as a hard-hitting and passionate individual.

Sunderland's Luke O'Nien could be on the move in January 🔁

Birmingham City, Coventry City & West Brom need to make a move 🔜#BCFC #PUSB #WBA #SAFC

Read more: https://t.co/7XCc5BGSPM. pic.twitter.com/RlAuFZPhIS

— Football League World (@FootballLeagueW) December 23, 2025

O'Nien On the Move

Luke O'Nien has been a prominent figure in the Sunderland ranks for years. Whether it be crunching challenges on both players and linesmen, O'Nien always finds a way to be hated by every other fanbase. Though struggling with injury problems as of late, the 31-year-old has been a reliable player for The Black Cats, featuring in every Championship game for his side last season.

While featuring predominantly at centre-back in this campaign, O'Nien showed his class in both attack and defense , ranking higher than any other central defender for accurate long balls and highly ranked for chances created. A versatile option that would give any Championship side a huge boost, especially a player who knows a thing or two about what it takes to make the step up to the Premier League. One thing that will always follow O'Nien around like a bad smell is his tendency to show poor discipline on the pitch. Having received a red card in a total of three minutes of Premier League football says it all. A true definition of a player who wears his heart on his sleeve.

🟥 Luke O'Nien is sent off for Sunderland for a 𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗢𝗨𝗦 challenge.

Deserved red card. pic.twitter.com/yxEoOIWMkL

— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Footballtweet) December 6, 2025

Championship Interest

A true definition of a player who wears his heart on his sleeve, but which of these sides would most suit a move for O'Nien?

Birmingham City: The Blues are said to be interested in O'Nien as they seek consecutive promotions under Tom Brady and co. Birmingham appears relatively short of defensive options. Christoph Klarer and Phil Neumann have been favored as manager Chris Davies' central defensive partnership, but the likes of Jack Robinson and Eiran Cashin have failed to step up when called upon. Birmingham would be a viable option for O'Nien, who would provide healthy competition and cover to the back line.

West Brom: The Baggies have failed to show any sort of consistency under manager Ryan Mason and have recently been hit by an injury to central defender Krystian Bielik. Clean sheets appear to come at a premium for The Midlands outfit, so it wouldn't come as a surprise to see them venture into the transfer market for further defensive options. This move just makes sense in my head. O'Nien will be after guaranteed first-team football and could slot into this West Brom team in both defense or central midfield. If the latter, then the partnership of O'Nien and Jayson Molumby would be a referee 's nightmare.