Timothée Pembélé has completed a permanent transfer from Sunderland to Ligue 1 side Le Havre, the clubs confirmed on Tuesday. The 23-year-old defender returns to France after two separate loan spells with Le Havre over the past two seasons. Financial details of the transfer were not disclosed.
Pembélé initially joined Sunderland in July 2022 from Paris Saint-Germain, but struggled to establish himself as a regular starter in the Championship. He made 13 appearances for the Black Cats across all competitions, with his game time limited by injuries and competition for places. His loan spells at Le Havre provided him with more consistent playing opportunities, contributing to his development as a versatile defender.
The move aligns with Le Havre’s ambition to strengthen their squad following promotion back to Ligue 1. The club’s new sporting director, Demba Ba, identified Pembélé as a priority signing, valuing his ability to play both as a right-back and a centre-back. According to L’Équipe, Pembélé will sign a long-term contract with Le Havre in the coming hours.
Pembélé progressed through the Paris Saint-Germain academy, making a handful of appearances for the first team before his move to England. While at PSG, he gained experience training with established international players, and he has also represented France at various youth levels. His versatility and potential make him a valuable addition to Le Havre’s defensive options.
The transfer represents a chance for Pembélé to rebuild his career in a familiar environment, while Sunderland will free up space in their squad and potentially recoup some of the fee they initially paid to PSG. Le Havre will hope Pembélé’s familiarity with the club and league will allow him to quickly integrate into the team and contribute to their efforts to remain competitive in Ligue 1.
