Born on this day is former Argentina international and Sunderland’s record signing at the time, Claudio Marangoni.
Marangoni had impressed in Argentina, racking up over 100 appearances at San Lorenzo. Ken Knighton, after being rejected by Sheffield United’s Argentinian Alex Sabella, swooped for Marangoni in a club-record transfer deal of £320,000 in 1979.
In reality, the price was a drop in the ocean compared to the £625,000 Knighton had agreed to pay for Sabella. Marangoni arrived to much fanfare, and would be Sunderland’s first foreign player.
Marangoni’s debut came in a win at home to Cardiff, receiving an extremely warm welcome at Roker Park. The Argentine’s first goal in red and white came just two games later in a win over Shrewsbury.
The midfielder never really settled on Wearside, and returned to Argentina after just 22 games and three goals for Sunderland. He retired at Boca Juniors aged 36, after playing for Argentinian sides Huracan, Independiente and finally Boca Juniors.
