Sunderland signed Jack Baldwin this summer for £200,000. At that price, he is proving to be a bargain. His performances so far this season have seen him become a favourite with fans. His no-nonsense style coupled with his ability on the ball has seen him earn high praise. With inflated prices currently in football, bargains can be hard to find; however, it appears that in Jack Baldwin, Sunderland have found an exceptional bargain.
Jack Baldwin: EFL Signing of the Summer
High Praise at a Young Age
At a young age while at Hartlepool, his style of play had his manager comparing him to Liverpool legend Alan Hanson. The then-teenager quickly established himself in the Hartlepool first team. After three impressive years, another United, this time Peterborough, paid £500,000 for his services.
Club Captain
Soon after arriving at Peterborough, Baldwin established himself in the first team. He suffered several unfortunate injuries, but when fit, he played. At the beginning of the 2017/18 season, he was named the new captain of Peterborough United.
Upon making Baldwin captain, the then-Posh boss Grant McCann explained his decision: “I believe Jack has all the attributes to be a really good captain of this club. Jack is a leader, he is determined, has a will to win and I think he will prove to be an excellent skipper.” He was a leading performer for United while captain, attracting interest from several clubs.
With the versatile defender’s contract expiring in 2019, Peterborough decided that he could depart for a fee instead of losing him for nothing next year. Sunderland quickly became the front-runners for his signature and a deal was eventually agreed.
Black Cats Bag a Bargain
New Sunderland boss Jack Ross got the man he wanted to be at the heart of the Black Cats’ defence. The fee of £200,000 appeared to be a good price for an impressive defender with a lot of League One experience. Having watched him in several games, fans, media and Sunderland staff believe they have bagged a bargain.
Upon signing the defender, Ross said: “Jack is proven in this league and he’s at a good age with his best years ahead of him, and he has a hunger to improve and do well.
“He sees this as a big opportunity and has the core attributes we have been looking for.”
Baldwin’s displays so far suggest that Sunderland have captured a very impressive defender. He is a player that looks far more expensive than what was paid for him. His fearless attitude along with how comfortable he is on the ball has been a much-welcomed sight at the Stadium of Light. If he can maintain his current level of performance, then the Black Cats could have a future captain for years to come in their ranks.
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