Sunderland AFC have completed the signing of midfielder, Luke O’Nien, for an undisclosed fee, on a two-year deal at the Stadium of Light.
O’Nien said: “The last few days have been manic, it’s all happened so fast. For me, I am going to give everything for the club, that’s always been my way from when I started as a kid, I will work hard. The direction of the club the club is only going up and the aim to get back where it belongs. One big group, working in one direction. I was promoted with Wycombe last season, a hell of a season. I will always be grateful for what they did for me, endless gratitude. I wouldn’t be here without them and the way we finished the season off was incredible. It was very special. A similar ending will be perfect. I’ve seen the history and a couple of years ago I was watching this club in the Premier League, the aim is promotion and I’m here to help achieve that. Walking out at the Stadium of Light when I got here was everything I thought it was. I’ve never played here before, it was special walking out there and I’m looking to getting out there, the training ground is beautiful and I can’t wait to get going now. Pre-seasons at Wycombe has been brilliant for me and I feel good and ready to get started now. Training on Tuesday will be good, I’m looking forward to it and it all happened on Friday and from then I wanted to get up here and get started.’’
So, what do we know about Luke. Let’s start with his name. It’s pronounced O-nigh-en. That clears that up. Luke joined Watford at the tender age of 9 and progressed through the ranks before signing his first professional contract in 2013. As with many young prospects Luke was sent out on loan to further develop his career with guaranteed game time. Luke had a 40-game spell for Wealdstone during 2013 to 2015 bagging five goals. It was during his time at Wealdstone that his energy and hunger become evident to onlookers. Luke returned to Watford at the close of the 2014 -15 season. However. following their promotion to the Premier League he was one of 3 players released by the club. In July 2015, after a successful trial Luke signed a one-year deal with Wycombe Wanderers. The following season he was part of the successful side that gained promotion to League One, finishing with 15 goals from his total 101 appearances for the club. Luke comes highly rated as an effervescent box to box midfielder. His energy and enthusiasm will no doubt be pleasing on the eye and welcomed by the SOL faithful.
