Charlie Wyke reflects on his on-off transfer saga, returning '˜home' and Sunderland's League One hopes

The striker was last night unveiled as the club’s new number nine, after completing a move for an undisclosed fee from Bradford City.

The Middlesbrough native has long been linked with a switch to the Stadium of Light, but after wrangling over a fee with the Bantams, it’s been a long drawn out process for player, club and fans.

Now the deal is finally over the line Wyke can’t wait to get started at Sunderland.

“It has been a frustrating few weeks getting it sorted. I am just delighted to finally get it over the line,” said Wyke.

“Now I am just happy to be able to concentrate on my football.

“Obviously I am on social media. So I have had some abuse, some nice words and messages from fans of other clubs I have been linked with.

“But I am happy it is all sorted.”

Feeling wanted is always something footballers strive for, and before he even walked through the door the player says he knew Sunderland was the place for him, especially given the reaction of Black Cats fans on social media.

“There have been a lot of announce Wyke hastags so it is nice to see that the fans want me,” said Wyke, who looks set to miss at least the first fortnight of the club’s League One campaign.

“I am really happy with it - I am really happy to be in the North East.

“Hopefully I will bring a lot of goals. A few good performances would not go amiss, too.

“I can’t wait to get out the physio room.

“I am not the type who gets injured a lot so its been frustrating. Hopefully I can put that all behind me.”

While no fee has been disclosed for the player, it’s understood Sunderland have paid around £600,000 for Wyke, which could eventually rise to £1million in time.

He becomes Jack Ross’ 11th signing of the summer.

“It’s a massive club,” he continued.

“Coming from the north east, I know exactly how much it means to people.

“The one thing that everybody wants here is promotion, so we have to get that and win as many games as we can.”

While the 25-year-old is joining Ross’ revolution, one man has also departed.

Lamine Kone has been announced as an RC Strasbourg player.

Confirming the season-long loan, a short statement on safc.com simply read: “Lamine Kone has completed a move to RC Strasbourg.

“The defender has signed a season-long loan with the French Ligue 1 side.”