It has been confirmed that Sunderland have completed their third signing of the summer. Defender Jordan Willis has signed on a free transfer having left Coventry City. Willis joins former teammate from Coventry Lee Burge and ex Millwall defender Conor McLaughlin as the Black Cats newest signings. Willis has signed a two-year deal with Sunderland, keeping him at the club until 2021.
Black Cats Sign Defender Jordan Willis
Right-back Willis, who can also play in central defence, came through the ranks at Coventry. He would go on to play more than 200 games for the Sky Blues, scoring eight goals. He also helped them lift the Football League Trophy in 2017. The 24-year-old cultured defender with a turn of speed rejected a new contract from City allowing him to move on a free transfer.
🗞️ #SAFC are delighted to announce the signing of @J2Willis.
Full story on the defender's arrival 👇 #OneClubOurClub
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) July 13, 2019
Jack Ross Revealed Potential New Signing Yesterday
After Sunderland’s first preseason game on Thursday, manager Jack Ross said he was hopeful a new signing would arrive: “I am hopeful over the course of tomorrow we may add one in a defensive area.”
“That will help us and strengthen us and bring in qualities that I have mentioned we were looking to identify. We have been patient and careful in our recruitment. Even the two we played tonight showed why they were signed.”
Other Clubs Interested
When it emerged that Jordan Willis would leave Coventry on a free transfer, several clubs were understandably interested. Sheffield Wednesday and Derby County were reportedly interested and later newly promoted Luton Town entered the race.
However, it is Sunderland that have won the race for one of the best defenders in League One. The Black Cats had not been mentioned as a potential club for the defender. It was, therefore, a surprise when the news was announced. Sunderland could now have completed an excellent piece of business. A player who could give Jack Ross and Sunderland the quality needed in defence that was lacking at times last season.
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