It’s rare that a week goes by at Sunderland without plenty to talk about. The past week has been no exception. The Black Cats returned to training, takeover talks continued and there was plenty to talk about on the transfer front. Two senior players arrived as well as several youngsters. Leaving the club was player who had been there for a decade. Here is the latest Sunderland weekly round-up.
Sunderland Weekly Round-Up
Players Return For Preseason
The Black Cats returned for pre-season training last week. One noticeable difference to this time last season was the amount of players. After relegation, last summer saw many leave. When pre-season began, Jack Ross barely had a team. He had to use academy players and staff members to make up the numbers.
Now, almost a full squad was available to the manager to begin his preparations for the season. Several players were missing however. The likes of Jon McLaughlin and Tom Flanagan were on international duty in June and had been given an extra few days off.
The Captain Speaks
Captain George Honeyman continues to divide opinion amongst fans. However, speaking to the Chronicle, he is ready to go:-
“I have been really excited to getting back and seeing all the lads. I had a great summer; I am really refreshed and ready to go again this year. It will be an intense month but fortunately the lads have all come back in great shape. I am sure the gaffer will put us through our paces and we have some games to get ourselves ready for the opening day against Oxford.”
Takeover Talks Continue
The proposed takeover of the Black Cats by businessman Mark Campbell appears to be no closer to being completed. Reports several weeks ago indicated that a deal where Campbell would buy a majority shareholding of over 70%. It was also reported that the deal should be completed by the time pre-season began. This has not happened and several rumours have began to circulate as to why.
McLaughlin and McGeady Latest
Two of Sunderland’s best players have been linked with a move away. Goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin, who was outstanding last season has become a target for Millwall and other clubs according to Paul Fraser of the Northern Echo. The Black Cats are hoping to tie the Scottish shot stopper to a new and improved deal. In the mean time, the have given him a £5 million price tag to ward off interested parties.
Aiden McGeady, who had one of the best seasons of his career is reportedly a target for MLS clubs. The Irish international is a key member of Jack Ross’s squad and it would be a huge surprise if he was allowed to leave. According to Richard Mennear of the Sunderland Echo, the winger wants to extend his stay on Wearside but would like to play in America at some point. McGeady is now 33-years-old and a move to the USA would have to happen sooner rather than later.
Players In
Conor McLaughlin
The full-back left Millwall this summer and signed a two-year deal. With Adam Matthews leaving earlier this summer, Sunderland were short in the right-back area. Midfielder Luke O’Nien played in the role last season; however, the arrival of Northern Ireland international McLaughlin, could give O’Nien a chance in midfield.
Lee Burge
Another position were Jack Ross needed to strengthen was the goalkeeper position. With two senior keepers leaving, only Jon McLaughlin was left as a senior goalkeeper. Lee Burge arrived last week having left Coventry City. He left the Sky Blues having played 140 league games.
Youngsters Sign
Several youngsters have also been brought in to the club. Ruben Sammut, Michael Collins and Ahmed Abdelkader have arrived. They will start out with the clubs Academy sides.
Players Out
Lee Cattermole
In what came as a surprise, midfielder Lee Cattermole, who had been at the club for a decade, left. The popular Cattermole played well over 200 games; however, that would have been many more had it not been for injuries. The 31-year-old was on huge wages for League One and had Sunderland succeeded in gaining promotion, he may have stayed. His departure will give others the chance to shine, plus free up wages for new signings.
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