The Black Cats remain locked in talks with Bologna over Jhon Lucumi, with the Sunderland hierarchy understood to be willing to pay around €20m for the Colombia international.
There is a chance the club could look to sign two additional defenders before the end of next month, which would severely reduce Seelt’s chances of forcing his way into the first-team picture in the Premier League next season.
The Dutch 22-year-old has been a regular presence in pre-season, and started Saturday’s friendly defeat at Hearts, but he accepts his position could change in the next few weeks and is keeping an open mind over the possibility of a loan move.
He would hardly be short of offers if Sunderland made him available for a season-long switch, both from at home, in the Championship, and abroad.
“Yes, that’s an option,” said Seelt, when asked about the potential for a loan move. “For me, the most important thing is to get regular play time and play loads of games because it’s important after a year of injury.
“We’ll see what the best option is in there. I’m just enjoying it at the moment. I also need to be realistic.
“They’re probably going to get some other players as well, bring some new players in. I feel very good at the moment, but we’ll see what happens. I just try to do my best. If I have to be there for the first game, then I’ll be there.”
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Seelt joined Sunderland from PSV Eindhoven’s youth ranks in a deal worth around £1.7m in the summer of 2023, but his time on Wearside has been badly hampered by injury.
The Dutchman was sidelined for ten months after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in March 2024, and suffered a series of niggling issues that kept him on the sidelines as he attempted to return in the latter stages of last season.
He admits it was hard to battle back from such a serious injury issue, especially when he was only just settling into life in a foreign land.
“Last season, everyone knows, it wasn’t very nice for me,” he said. “But all summer, I’ve trained and made sure I was ready for pre-season. I think I’ve been showing some good bits. I’m feeling very well, so I’m very happy with that on a personal side.
“After a year of insecurity about the knee, it wasn’t nice. But now I feel so good, and that’s very nice for me.
“It was very tough. I’m happy that my girlfriend was with me in England – she really helped me. Loads of family came over, so that helped as well.
“The club was always very supportive. I never felt really lonely, although it’s your injury. Every day, you have to overcome these difficulties and setbacks. But in the end, we’re here.”
Seelt was also grateful for the support shown by Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris, who remained a constant source of encouragement even though he had never seen the defender play at first hand prior to his return to action.
“He’s [Le Bris] very supportive,” said Seelt. “Also, this new season, he speaks a lot with me. We speak about the game. I hope he’s happy with me at the moment. Let’s continue.”