Sunderland today completed their first signing of the summer. Out of contract full-back Conor McLaughlin had a medical today and completed his move shortly after.
According to Mark Donnelly of the Sunderland Echo, an unnamed out of contract player was set for a medical on Monday. Who the player was was causing plenty of debate and curiosity.
Sunderland Sign Conor McLaughlin
?✍️ We’re delighted to announce our first signing of the summer, @Conormcl91!#SAFChttps://t.co/NODILXukrE
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) July 1, 2019
First Addition
Many players have been linked to a move to the Stadium of Light this summer. Only a handful are out of contract, however. The latest have been goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos who recently left Middlesbrough, Lawrence Shankland, the prolific striker who has been linked for some time but his contract has just ended and, Chris Cadden, a Scottish international who has just left Motherwell.
However, this afternoon it was announced that Sunderland had signed Northern Ireland international Conor McLaughlin. The defender was released by Millwall this summer after spending two years in London. McLaughlin, who has won 35 caps for Northern Ireland also has League One experience have previously played for Fleetwood Town.
McLaughlin will provide competition at right-back with just Donald Love being the only recognised player in that position. The other right-back at the club last season, Adam Matthews, was allowed to leave. Luke O’Nien played superbly in that position last season but he is a midfielder by trade.
The Black Cats missed out on promotion last season after defeat in the Play-Off Final against Charlton. Promotion at the second time of asking is almost a must. The extra quality McLaughlin and other new additions could bring to the existing squad, could be enough to see last seasons heartache put behind them and promotion achieved.
Investment Update as Signings Imminent
Owner Stewart Donald recently gave an update on the drawn-out takeover saga and the lack of transfer activity.
“Signings will happen soon with investment in the team where sensible.
Club investment will happen – we have plans & options and I will explain how & why in due course (month). Speculation though is just that.”
He also added that the additional investment that is possible is not vital to the club this season. Business for the new season is apparently about to pick up, new owners or not.
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