Update: there is also news on possible and thoroughly welcome departures . Neither Papy Djilobodji nor Didier Ndong reported back for duty as expected – and, presumably, contracted – so while they or their agents hawk their services around other clubs, SAFC can perhaps save a little money by fining them each two weeks’ wages for any indiscipline that cannot be explained by the need to visit sick aunts. Lamine Kone was also absent from the team’s training camp trip to Portugal, also having no wish to prolong his stay at Sunderland, though he did at least make it back to Wearside. Which of them, in all honesty, will be missed?
The day started with a great series of questions and answers with Charlie Methven – check it out here and for the next two days – and now we have news of further signings.
It began with news of the arrival of the Scottish international and former Hibs midfielder Dylan McGeouch and, for Elliott Dickman’s Under 23 squad, Jordan Hunter, on a free from Liverpool. And it continued – see below – with the announcement of another import, defender Reece James from Wigan.
For now, let safc.com tell the story:
McGeouch, 25, played a key role as Hibs won the Scottish Cup for the first time in their history in 2016 and again as the club returned to the top flight as champions.
Sunderland’s manager Jack Ross hailed his latest addition: “Dylan has been really good for Hibernian and that’s culminated in him earning international recognition.
“There were a lot of teams interested in him because he’s at a good stage in his career and he’s absolutely desperate to come down to England and show people how good a player he is. The fans will like him because he’s got a lot of quality.”
In May 2018, McGeouch made his senior debut at international level when he featured against Peru, and he picked up his second cap four days later as he started alongside fellow new signing Jon McLaughlin against Mexico.
Jordan Hunter, also a midfielder, said of his transfer to Sunderland’s youth squad: “I’m so excited to be here, I really can’t wait to get started. I’ve met a few of the lads already and I was straight into training this morning, it’s been a real whirlwind.
“I’m hoping to do well for the under-23s this season and I’d like to eventually push on and give Jack Ross something to think about when he comes to picking the team.”
And then, just as we thought the day’s business was done, we heard of this:
‘Sunderland AFC has completed the signing of left-back Reece James on a one-year deal. The 24-year-old arrives following a three-year spell with Wigan Athletic, during which time he helped the club win two Sky Bet League One titles.
James made 28 appearances for the Latics during the 2017-18 campaign, as Paul Cooke’s side pipped rivals Blackburn Rovers to the third-tier title and sealed an instant return to the Sky Bet Championship.
The defender becomes Jack Ross’ sixth summer signing, joining Alim Ozturk, Jon McLaughlin, Chris Maguire, Tom Flanagan and Dylan McGeouch at the Stadium of Light.
Speaking about his arrival, the Sunderland manager said: “Reece played a big part in Wigan’s promotion last year and he has good pedigree from his time with Manchester United earlier in his career. He’s another new signing who is at a good age, and he’s very good in the final third which will be a big for us next season as we try to get our full-backs high up the park. He’s another good addition and I think it’s exciting to see that we’re trying to build something.”
With thanks to safc.com, Salut! Sunderland extends a warm welcome to all three players.
Solid, proven signings to replace the gutless failures that have polluted this club for far too long .