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Transfer Race Heats Up: Blackburn and Portsmouth Given Major Boost as Hibs Pull Out of Battle for ‘Brilliant’ Sunderland Star Nectarios Triantis
Championship outfits Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth have received a significant boost in their pursuit of Sunderland’s rising talent, Nectarios Triantis, after a major competitor in the transfer race exited the frame.
Triantis, a standout performer during his loan spell with Scottish Premiership side Hibernian, was initially the subject of widespread interest this summer following Sunderland’s return to the Premier League via their dramatic Championship play-off final win over Sheffield United.
With League One and Two clubs circling for opportunities to snap up Sunderland’s fringe players, Triantis an Australian international emerged as one of the most sought-after names. Reports earlier this summer suggested that Blackburn, Portsmouth, Bundesliga side St Pauli, and loan club Hibs were all eager to land the 22-year-old versatile midfielder after a breakout campaign in which he notched three goals and six assists across 36 appearances, helping Hibs finish third behind Celtic and Rangers.
However, in a major twist, Hibernian have officially dropped out of the race. According to the Daily Record, the Easter Road club has “admitted defeat” in their bid to bring Triantis back to Edinburgh, citing strong interest from English Championship clubs and teams across Europe and the United States. Sunderland, meanwhile, have been warned by the player’s agent that he will not accept a bit-part role at the Stadium of Light this season.
This latest development leaves the door wide open for Blackburn or Portsmouth to strike a deal. Pompey, under John Mousinho, are enjoying a resurgence after surviving their first campaign back in the Championship in over a decade. The club has shown a clear affinity for Australian talent, currently boasting four Australian internationals Adrian Segecic, Jacob Farrell, Hayden Matthews, and Thomas Waddingham in their squad.
Australia national team boss Tony Popovic, who dropped Triantis from his June World Cup qualifying squad amid uncertainty over his future, has previously praised the midfielder’s impact at Hibernian and may be encouraged by the potential move to a club with a proven track record of developing Aussie players.
With one major rival out of the picture, Triantis’ future now looks set to be decided between two ambitious English sides leaving Sunderland with a decision to make, and Blackburn and Pompey poised to pounce.
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