The transfer window has shut, but Sunderland continued to do business after the deadline. On Thursday, Josh Hawkes’ loan move to Tranmere was confirmed, bringing our summer action to an end. Overall, it’s fair to say that our recruitment has been very impressive, although many fans were panicking that we would be unprepared for the opening day of the season. This is part one, and don't forget to come back tomorrow to read about our summer sales...
ALEX PRITCHARD
The diminutive midfielder was signing number one on Wearside, and he came with mixed reviews. He has Premier League experience with Spurs and Huddersfield, so clearly has quality. He could be a game-changer at League One level, but his injury record has raised question marks. Pritchard has started just the one league game this season after contracting Covid in pre-season, so the jury is still out.
CORRY EVANS
When our first two signings of the summer were Pritchard and a 31-year-old Evans, fans were rightly questioning the “new dawn” at Sunderland. It seemed to be a window that we were all too familiar with, signing free agents and ageing journeymen. However, that’s turned out to be extremely harsh, as Evans has replaced Leadbitter perfectly at the base of midfield. He provides the defensive platform for our young attackers to go forward, and has shown immense calmness as well as quality in possession.
CALLUM DOYLE
At just 17 years old, this kid looks like a future England defender. Standing at over 6 feet tall, he’s physical enough for League One and doesn’t look out of his depth. You can tell he’s came through a Guardiola system, as his passing range is fantastic. At his age he’s bound to make mistakes. That’s what he’s here to do, but he’s looked like an inspired signing so far.
DENNIS CIRKIN
Tottenham supposedly have a buy-back clause in Cirkin’s contract, which shows how highly rated he was there. He’s obviously still got some developing to do and seemingly isn’t fully fit yet, but he looks like a good option at left back. With Denver Hume out of contract, Cirkin is our only left back and needs to remain consistent this season in the absence of any competition.
FREDERIK ALVES
The Danish centre half arrived on loan from West Ham, but has only played one game so far which was the cup game at Blackpool. Although he didn’t stand out, it would have been good for the young defender to build up some minutes and get accustomed to football in the lower leagues. He probably won’t be a starter, but cover in case one of our senior defenders get injured.
NATHAN BROADHEAD
Broadhead has League One experience with Burton, so knows what it takes in this division. He looks to have plenty of energy but has been limited to substitute appearances so far, mostly due to Ross Stewart’s scintillating form. As a backup he’ll be a good option, and could play out wide if needed too.
NIALL HUGGINS
The young defender joined from Leeds United, but is yet to appear in the league. He featured against Blackpool, and looked comfortable in possession, which is clearly a big part of Johnson’s signings this summer. He offers some much-needed versatility as he can play both left and right back, positions that are seriously understocked.
LEON DAJAKU
Arriving from Union Berlin on deadline day, Dajaku has trained and played at the very top level, with Europe’s elite players at Bayern Munich. The winning mentality instilled at Bavaria should only help the winger, who came to Wearside alongside his German counterpart. Dajaku will offer good competition out wide for both Gooch and McGeady, who have been blowing hot and cold this season.
RON-THORBEN HOFFMANN
The second German to arrive on deadline day stands at 6 ft 4, and will expect to come straight into the team. Lee Burge is far from convincing, and the past few seasons have been crying out for a more consistent figure between the sticks. Hoffmann has played with Dajaku at Munich, and will be hoping their relationship translates onto the pitch. Lee Johnson has highlighted the keeper’s ball-playing ability, which presumably comes from training daily with Manuel Neuer!
