The latest edition of the Black Cats weekly round-up takes a look at the latest news from Sunderland. Over the past week, the Black Cats were ordered to pay millions in compensation to a player who had a loan spell at the club several years ago. Plus, there’s the latest transfer news, progress in the EFL Trophy and the hat-trick which gave Lee Johnson’s men a convincing away victory.
Black Cats Weekly Round-Up: Ricky Alverez Compensation Details, Transfer News and More
Ricky Alvarez Saga Ends
Argentina international Ricky Alverez, who signed for Sunderland in 2014 on a season-long loan deal has successfully obtained millions in compensation from the club. The deal which saw Alverez move to Wearside from Inter Milan included a clause that would see the winger sign for the Black Cats permanently should they avoid relegation. Alverez had an injury-plagued season and appeared just 13 times. Due to injury concerns, Sunderland backed out of the deal.
Milan took Sunderland to court and, after a lengthy battle, the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled in favour of Inter. This resulted in the Black Cats paying over £9 million for a player that played 13 times on loan and never signed permanently.
Soon after, Alverez made a separate claim for compensation feeling that he had lost out on wages. Last week, it was revealed in the Sunderland Echo that Sunderland were ordered by the Court of Arbitration for Sport to pay Alverez £4.7 million in compensation.
Sunderland Weekly Round-Up: Transfer News and Rumours
Dion Sanderson Staying
According to the Simon Jones of the Daily Mail, on-loan defender Dion Sanderson is a wanted man. Sanderson is currently on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers; however, the report suggests that Championship side Cardiff City have approached Wolves with a request to cancel the deal with Sunderland in order to take the player themselves. Wolves have rejected the request.
Offers Received for George Dobson
Head coach Lee Johnson has revealed that the club have received offers for midfielder George Dobson. However, at present, none of the offers that have been made appear to have appealed.
Dobson wants games but has fallen down the pecking order since Johnson’s arrival. Speaking about Dobson, Johnson said: “We have had conversations with George. We’ve just left it quite open, really. There have been offers come in, but they’re not ones that he has wanted to do at this moment in time. That’s OK with us, and we’ll see how the rest of the window pans out.
Left-Back Required
Lee Johnson could be set to add a left-back to his transfer wishlist. Denver Hume is expected to be out until March through injury and Sunderland currently have just one other senior left-back to call on. According to reports by Mark Donnelly of the Sunderland Echo and Adam Stenning of the Argus, Brighton and Hove Albion left-back Alex Cochrane has been linked with a move to the Stadium of Light to provide back-up and competition for McFadzean in Hume’s absence.
The 20-year-old is currently on loan at Belgium second division side Union St Gilloise. However, the Seagulls have a recall clause. This could be activated should they feel a spell in League One would be more beneficial.
Black Cats Progress in EFL Trophy
Sunderland progressed to the next round of the EFL Trophy last Tuesday following a two-nil victory over Port Vale. The Black Cats dominated the game and goals from Aiden O’Brien and Aiden McGeady sealed their place in the quarter-finals. Sunderland were beaten finalists in the competition two years ago. They faced Portsmouth at a sold-out Wembley Stadium and played out a 2-2 draw. However, Pompey won the trophy falling a penalty shoot-out.
Black Cats Weekly Round-Up Ends With a Hat-Trick Hero Sealing Win
Lee Johnson’s men got back to winning ways in the league on Saturday as they beat AFC Wimbledon 3-0 away from home. Striker Charlie Wyke was the hero scoring his first hat-trick for the club. Three excellent finishes, one early in the first half and a further two late in the game sealed the win. It also capped a memorable performance from the number nine.
The game also saw new signing Carl Winchester make his debut for the red and whites. The midfielder came on as a second-half substitute. It was also confirmed that forward Lynden Gooch missed the game following a positive COVID-19 test.
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