Sunderland manager Chris Coleman has worked tirelessly in an attempt to bring in reinforcements to help the Black Cats rise out of the Championship relegation places. January has proved to be a tough month as many of Coleman’s targets have as yet failed to arrive on Wearside. Sunderland climbed off the bottom of the table following last weeks home victory against Hull City. However, it is still clear that new recruits are required to ensure back to back relegation fears are eased sooner rather than later.
Here is a look at what has been happening at Sunderland recently. To look back at the beginning of Sunderland’s transfer window please click on the following link:- Sunderland January Transfer Update: The Story so far
Black Cats’ January transfer update: 17th-26th
In: Confirmed, Potential and Failed
Kasenga Lualua – done deal
The winger/forward became Coleman’s second signing after Chelsea defender Jake Clarke-Salter. Lualua has signed a short-term deal after coming to an agreement with Brighton to cancel his contract and allow him to leave for free. He began his career at Sunderland’s local rivals Newcastle before moving to Brighton in 2011. He went on to make over 100 appearances for the Seagulls and has also had two spells on loan at QPR.
Chris Coleman had this to say about his new signing. Speaking about the signing: “Kaz was determined to come here and get playing first-team football again and I look forward to helping him play the kind of football he is capable of. He’s quick, skilful and has a lot of experience at this level. He gives us another option in attack and, most importantly, is up for the fight.”
He Ben Woodburn – Failed
Late last week, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp ended Sunderland’s hopes of signing the young Welsh winger. Klopp stated that he was in no rush to send the youngster elsewhere and he was currently in the right place to continue his development. The news was disappointing to both Coleman and supporters alike as they both felt the youngsters forward play could help them escape the Championship relegation zone. Coleman had been heavily linked with Woodman as soon as the took charge at the Stadium of Light; however, this potential deal now, unless Klopp suggests otherwise, will not go ahead.
Jonathan Walters – Failed
A tweet from the Burnley frontman in a hospital bed put an end to this deal. Sunderland had hoped to add the Republic of Ireland International to their squad on loan but had to end their interest. It is believed that a tiny split in his cartilage led to keyhole surgery being required. Coleman now must turn to other targets as he looks to add extra firepower to his team.
Chris Martin – Ongoing
It is believed that Sunderland have a deal in place with Derby County to sign the Scottish International on loan. Martin has also travelled to Wearside to discuss a move with Chris Coleman; however, he left without committing to a move. It is understood that other clubs are showing an interest and that Martin is still weighing up his options. Fulham were believed to be interested but have now ruled themselves out. Championship leaders Wolves are also said to be looking at the forward. Martin has recently been on a trip to Dubai with Derby but is now back in the UK and a decision should be imminent. Coleman cannot afford to wait too long with the transfer window closing in several days.
Ben Marshall
The former Blackburn Rovers winger, currently at Wolves, is said to be being pursued by the Black Cats. Sunderland want him on loan; however, Wolves, happy with a loan arrangement want a permanent deal to be agreed for the summer too. The two clubs are currently attempting to arrange a compromise for the player who although was a regular last season has fallen out of favour this season as Wolves lead the Championship.
Andy Lonergan
After some very unconvincing displays by Robin Ruiter and Jason Steele in goal this season, it is no surprise to see a goalkeeper linked to the club. Although Ruiter has improved with five clean sheets in the 11 games Coleman has been in charge, it is felt that stronger competition is required. Lonergan is an experienced keeper at this level and is currently Leeds United’s number two. Sunderland’s assistant manager Kit Symons knows the shot-stopper well after working together previously. However, Leeds are reluctant to let him go without having a replacement lined up. He still has 18 months left on his current contract and therefore Leeds may demand a fee. A fee Sunderland could be unable to pay unless their owner releases funds.
Emerson Hyndman
Bournemouth’s young midfielder, who is a USA international, has been linked with a loan move. The 21-year-old is highly rated and after signing for Glasgow Rangers a year ago scooped their player of the year award despite only playing half a season. He is an attack-minded midfielder, something which Sunderland could do with due to injuries and some shot-shy players. Bournemouth could be open to letting the player leave if the deal was right.
Out: Confirmed, Potential and Failed
Rees Greenwood
The young forward has left the club by mutual consent. Many within the club had high hopes for Greenwood. He had been at the club since the age of eight and had played at every level. During 2016 he earned international recognition when he featured for England’s Under 20’s. He also received the Premier League 2 player of the month award in February of that year. He made his one and only appearance for the first team under Sam Allardyce at Watford on the last day of the 2015/16 season. It had been hoped that he would continue to progress but he has struggled to get close to the first team. He had only several months left on his contract and has left in a bid to kick-start his career.
Jack Rodwell
Rodwell has stated that even though he has hardly featured this season due to injury that he is as fit as he has ever been. He also mentioned in an interview that he believes he is good enough to still play for England. Sunderland have asked him to cancel his £70,000 a week contract so he can leave on a free. This is something the midfielder is unwilling to do. He has advised Chris Coleman that he wants to leave and has no interest in playing for the club again.
A trial at Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem came to nothing due it being cancelled for “organisational reasons”. With Rodwell standing his ground about leaving his lucrative contract with Sunderland until another club is lined up, he isn’t making life easy for himself or Sunderland.
Chris Coleman recently had this to say, “He told me he doesn’t want to play at Sunderland, doesn’t want to be here. That’s that. It won’t help me, us, tomorrow, I concentrate on the players we have got and have a crack. “Your Jack Rodwell’s who don’t want to be here, they can’t help our situation. The other boys who want to be here, they are the ones that will help us.”
Lamine Koné and Didier Ndong
Both players feel that their futures are elsewhere; however, with no firm bids being received apart from a loan offer from Watford for Ndong, both will be staying at the Stadium of Light for the foreseeable future. Koné has just returned from injury, something by all accounts he has worked very hard to do. He also made his comeback for the Under 23’s in a midweek victory over Leicester City.
If both players do end up staying, then with the right attitude they could be very useful to Chris Coleman. If they perform as they both can then they should not be short of offers come the summer. Sulk, as they both can and they could struggle to find themselves a new home if that is what they still desire. Sunderland in the position they are in need players who are up for the fight. Coleman will very quickly make a decision whether these two are up for the fight ahead.
Main image credit:
