{"id":230983,"date":"2018-09-14T07:34:05","date_gmt":"2018-09-14T11:34:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonfootball.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=230983"},"modified":"2018-09-14T07:34:05","modified_gmt":"2018-09-14T11:34:05","slug":"sunderlands-jack-baldwin-efl-signing-of-the-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2018\/09\/14\/sunderlands-jack-baldwin-efl-signing-of-the-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"Sunderland\u2019s Jack Baldwin: EFL Signing of the Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sunderland<\/a> signed Jack Baldwin this summer for \u00a3200,000. At that price, he is proving to be a bargain. His performances so far this season have seen him become a favourite with fans. His no-nonsense style coupled with his ability on the ball has seen him earn high praise. With inflated prices currently in football, bargains can be hard to find; however, it appears that in Jack Baldwin, Sunderland<\/a> have found an exceptional bargain.<\/p>\n

Jack Baldwin: EFL Signing of the Summer<\/h1>\n

High Praise at a Young Age<\/h2>\n

At a young age while at Hartlepool<\/a>, his style of play had his manager comparing him to Liverpool<\/a> legend Alan Hanson. The then-teenager quickly established himself in the Hartlepool first team. After three impressive years, another United, this time Peterborough<\/a>, paid \u00a3500,000 for his services.<\/p>\n

Club Captain<\/h2>\n

Soon after arriving at Peterborough, Baldwin established himself in the first team. He suffered several unfortunate injuries, but when fit, he played. At the beginning of the 2017\/18 season, he was named the new captain of Peterborough United.<\/p>\n

Upon making Baldwin captain, the then-Posh boss Grant McCann explained his decision: \u201cI believe Jack has all the attributes to be a really good captain of this club. Jack is a leader, he is determined, has a will to win and I think he will prove to be an excellent skipper.\u201d<\/i><\/a> He was a leading performer for United while captain, attracting interest from several clubs.<\/p>\n

With the versatile defender’s contract expiring in 2019, Peterborough decided that he could depart for a fee instead of losing him for nothing next year. Sunderland quickly became the front-runners for his signature and a deal was eventually agreed.<\/p>\n

Black Cats Bag a Bargain<\/h2>\n

New Sunderland boss Jack Ross<\/a> got the man he wanted to be at the heart of the Black Cats’ defence. The fee of \u00a3200,000 appeared to be a good price for an impressive defender with a lot of League One experience. Having watched him in several games, fans, media and Sunderland staff believe they have bagged a bargain.<\/p>\n

Upon signing the defender, Ross said: \u201cJack is proven in this league and he\u2019s at a good age with his best years ahead of him, and he has a hunger to improve and do well. <\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cHe sees this as a big opportunity and has the core attributes we have been looking for.\u201d<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

Baldwin\u2019s displays so far suggest that Sunderland have captured a very impressive defender. He is a player that looks far more expensive than what was paid for him. His fearless attitude along with how comfortable he is on the ball has been a much-welcomed sight at the Stadium of Light. If he can maintain his current level of performance, then the Black Cats could have a future captain for years to come in their ranks.<\/p>\n

Main Photo<\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a>