With players returning for pre-season, transfers are expected to ramp up in the coming weeks to bolster our very thin squad. Here is some of the latest news on Sunderland’s big transfer targets.
ETHAN GALBRAITH
The Manchester United youngster is reportedly on Lee Johnson’s radar, and Sunderland have begun negotiations to sign the midfielder on loan. Galbraith is highly thought of at United, and made his senior debut in the Europa League against Astana in 2019. At 20 years old, the Red Devils youth prospect is already a Northern Ireland international having played twice for his country. Despite interest from the Championship, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may send Galbraith to League One where he’s more likely to get minutes on the pitch.
GIORGI ABURJANIA
With Josh Scowen, Max Power and Grant Leadbitter all leaving the club, it’s no surprise that the recruitment team are in the market for midfielders. Aburjania is a Georgian international who can play as a box-to-box midfielder, and is able to both attack and defend. The 26-year-old currently plays for FC Cartagena in the second division, and his contract expires in just a few days. Reports in Spain are suggesting that Aburjania is ‘on the verge’ of joining Lee Johnson’s side, becoming our first signing of the summer. The midfielder has previously had experience at Sevilla, Real Oviedo and FC Twente among other clubs.
CRAIG MACGILLIVRAY
Portsmouth recently announced that the keeper had been released, and many fans were suggesting that Sunderland should go after MacGillivray. However, this morning it was revealed that he had signed for Charlton Athletic on a two-year deal. This is a huge signing for Nigel Adkins’ men, with MacGillivray being arguably the leading goalkeeper in League One since joining Pompey in 2018. With Ben Amos leaving the Addicks to join Wigan, Charlton needed a replacement and they’ve found one between the sticks. Shame we missed out on this one as he would have given Lee Burge a run for his money...
JOE PIGOTT
Charlie Wyke is looking increasingly likely to leave Wearside this summer, so Lee Johnson needs a player of similar stature to replace the striker up front. The AFC Wimbledon striker is a free agent after leaving the Dons, and has plenty of suitors across the EFL. With several Championship clubs interested in the 6 foot 2 striker, Speakman needs to act fast to persuade Pigott to join. Kevin Phillips has also backed the League One hit man to become a hero on Wearside, as long as he can handle the pressure of the Stadium of Light.
