A loan deal has been agreed that will see Sunderland sign Everton striker Ellis Simms. The deal is a one-year loan with the striker expected to go straight into Alex Neil’s squad for their Championship opener on Sunday.
Sunderland confirmed their new signing via their official website safc.com.
Sunderland Sign Everton Striker Ellis Simms
#⃣9⃣ pic.twitter.com/ti8cuWkD95
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) July 29, 2022
Simms Has Had Two Successful Loan Spells
This will be the third time that Everton have sent striker Ellis Simms out on loan. The 21-year-old has previously had spells at Blackpool and Hearts.
At Blackpool, he helped the Seasiders gain promotion to League One, playing 24 games in all competitions, starting 19 and scoring 10 goals. Another half-season loan, this time north of the border at Hearts brought another seven goals for the youngster.
Prolific at Youth Level
Ellis Simms has certainly been a prolific goalscorer, especially during his early years at Everton. For the under-18 team, he scored an impressive 46 goals in all competitions before moving to the under-23 squad and scoring eight goals in 12 games. It was then that the Toffees decided it was time for Simms to go out on loan to gain valuable first-team experience.
Ellis Simms and Alex Neil Have Their Say on Loan Deal
Speaking after signing, Simms spoke to safc.com. He said: “It feels great to be here – it’s such a massive club and I can’t wait to get started. As soon as Sunderland showed an interest, I knew this would be a great environment for me to continue my development and a great platform to show what I can do. I’ve played in League One and the SPL, so this is the next step for me and I feel I’m ready for the Championship.”
Alex Neil added: “To have Ellis in the building [ahead of the first game] is great. He will compliment Ross Stewart, but equally, he will provide competition and he joins following two really good loan spells at Blackpool and Hearts. He’s a big lad, who is direct, quick and mobile – and he’s been a serial goalscorer. There’s been a lot of Championship interest in Ellis, but we have managed to secure his signature and we are delighted to get the deal across the line.”
