The latest edition of the Sunderland weekly round-up takes a look back at news from the past seven days from the Stadium of Light. Manager Lee Johnson welcomed his first signing to the club while several others have been linked.
The Black Cats were back in action at home for the first time this year as they looked to move up the table. Plus, there’s the latest off the field news as a director stands down and an American businessman wants millions in damages.
Sunderland Weekly Round-Up: Midfielder Signs and Plenty More
Transfer News: Carl Winchester Signs
Lee Johnson has completed his first signing since becoming Sunderland’s head coach. On Sunday morning the club confirmed that Forest Green Rovers captain Carl Winchester had signed for the Black Cats. The midfielder penned a two-and-a-half-year deal at the Stadium of Light. Winchester and Lee Johnson are no strangers to each other, having worked together for three years while at Oldham Athletic.
Johnson said of his new signing: “After assessing our squad and establishing the profile of midfielder we wanted to bring in, we evaluated all the elements, inclusive of the data, and felt that Carl was the right player to add to our squad.
“He is a good player who is in the prime of his career, and his versatility means he can play in a number of positions, ensuring he will also bring depth to our squad.
“When he was a young player at Oldham, every top club wanted him, which shows the potential he has always had. He has represented some good clubs, but in terms of division, we believe he has been playing below his natural level.”
Sunderland Weekly Round-Up: Winger, Striker and Left-Back Linked
Sunderland have also been linked to three other players in the past week. Barnsley winger Luke Thomas is reportedly on Lee Johnson’s radar as he looks to add pace to his forward line. As is Hibernian hitman Kevin Nisbet. The striker has been in fine form in the Scottish Premiership and Hibs could be tempted to sell for the right price.
According to the Chronicle and The Herald, Lee Johnson is also keen to add to his options at left-back with St Johnstone defender Scott Tanser linked. Denver Hume has been out injured of late, resulting in Sunderland having to play players out of position in his absence.
Director Stands Down
Neil Fox, who has worked under current owner Stewart Donald since September 2018, has stepped down from his role as director. Fox has resigned as a director of the club and several other associated companies including 1879 Events Management, Sunderland Ladies, Sunderland AFC.com, SAFC.com, and Sunderland Properties.
With Sunderland set to be taken over in the coming weeks and Stewart Donald’s role in the club set to be reduced to a minority shareholder, it is of little surprise that changes are beginning to happen behind the scenes at the club.
American Businessman Wants Millions in Damages
According to reports in The Sun and the Sunderland Echo, American hedge-funder Matthew Pauls is claiming the club has been stolen from him. Pauls is claiming that he had a £40 million deal agreed to buy the Black Cats. However, the club insist that proof of funds were not forthcoming until several months later. When received, according to the club, the proof of funds was not sufficient to cover the cost of the club.
Sunderland current owner Stewart Donald are in the latter stages of selling the club to Kyril Louis-Dreyfus. Should the EFL approve the deal, the takeover could be completed this month.
Hull City Game
Sunderland were back in action at the Stadium of Light for the first time this year on Saturday. The Black Cats were originally due to play Fleetwood Town; however, a COVID-19 outbreak saw the game postponed. With Sunderland and Hull City having a free weekend, it was arranged for this game to be played instead.
The two promotion hopefuls played out a 1-1 draw. Hull took an early lead following a mistake from goalkeeper Lee Burge, who was still suffering from a head injury suffered moments earlier. An Aiden McGeady header, however, gave Sunderland an equaliser. Both sides had chances to win but clear cut chances were few and far between.
Sunderland Weekly Round-Up: Many Players Out Of Contract This Summer
Sunderland could be set for a summer of change on the field unless new contracts can be agreed. 21 players are due to be out of contract at the end of the season, many of them first-team regulars. The likes of Luke O’Nien, Jordan Willis, Denver Hume, captain Max Power, Chris Maguire, Aiden McGeady and several promising youngsters could leave. Although fans will be hoping the squad is strengthened this month and in the summer, they will also want to see the better players in the current squad signed up to new deals.
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