Sunderland have completed their fourth signing of the January transfer window. Defender Joe Anderson has signed for the Black Cats from Premier League club Everton. The 21-year-old central defender has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the news being announced on Sunderland’s official website safc.com. Anderson follows Joe Gelhardt, Pierre Ekwah and Isaac Lihadji to the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland’s business with Everton this transfer window may not be over. The Championship playoff chasers are also hoping to bring striker Ellis Simms back to Wearside after the Toffee’s recalled him from his loan earlier this month.
Sunderland Transfer News: Defender Signs From Everton
Who Is Joe Anderson?
Anderson joined Everton at 15 and has risen through the ranks at Goodison Park. Despite not featuring for the Toffees’ first team, he has trained with them on a regular basis and was captain of their under-21 side.
A left-footed ball-playing central defender, Anderson can also play at left-back should the need arise. With head coach Tony Mowbray having to regularly rotate his team due to injuries, Anderson’s arrival will give his squad more strength in depth. Due to recent injuries and suspensions, Mowbray has had to call upon 15-year-old Chris Rigg amongst other youngsters.
Sunderland Transfer News: New Signing On Move to Wearside
Joe Anderson spoke to safc.com soon after signing. He said: “I’m over the moon to make the move, the minute the Club were interested I wanted to come here. I met the Head Coach and really liked what he had to say, and the fact he was also a centre-back means I’ll have a lot to learn from him. It’s a challenge I’m really looking forward to and I can’t wait to get started.”
Tony Mowbray Pleased to Add More Depth to His Squad
Head coach Tony Mowbray spoke to safc.com and was pleased with his latest signing. He said: “Joe fits the profile of player we want to keep adding to the Club and we look forward to supporting his development in a senior environment.
The talent and potential is there and although he may need time to develop physically in the next weeks and months, he will add immediate competition and depth to our squad. A left-footed, left-sided central defender, which is a rarity, he can distribute the ball well from the back and connect defence with midfield – he is going to be a real long-term asset for the Club.”
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