Lee Johnson press conference RECAP: Lee Johnson talks transfers and previews Wycombe Wanderers clash in League One
and live on Freeview channel 276
Sunderland have concluded an early deal after just four days since clubs were permitted to sign players again.
Right-back Trai Hume has signed on the dotted line at the Stadium of Light and becomes Lee Johnson’s first addition this winter.
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Hide AdThe Black Cats are said to have beaten off competition from League one rivals Lincoln City, Scottish giants Celtic and Championship club Stoke City to sign the 19-year-old.
And sporting director Kristjaan Speakman says Sunderland will not be rushed into agreements with senior players coming to the end of their contracts, though he does hope to have made decisions by the end of the season.
Lynden Gooch, Bailey Wright and Tom Flanagan have been an integral part of Lee Johnson's starting XI this season, and all see their current deals expire at the end of this season.
Sunderland's Sporting Director says he has been in dialogue with the players and their representatives, but final decisions are yet to be made.
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Hide AdHere, though, we’ll be keeping you up-to-date with the latest goings-on from around Sunderland and their League One rivals as clubs eye deals during the window:
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Sunderland AFC transfer and contract news LIVE: Black Cats secure Trai Hume signing
Key Events
- Sunderland have completed the signing of 19-year-old Linfield defender Trai Hume
- Hume four-and-a-half-year contract – with a club option of a further year.
- Lee Johnson as confirmed that Frederik Alves has contracted Covid-19
- The head coach refused to be drawn on speculation linking the club with Patrick Roberts
LJ on table and transfers, Trai Hume
Every game is a three point opportunity. We have a big game coming up this weekend. Our mindset is why we have got to this stage. You don’t win anything in January.
I hope he brings the attributes that we require. He is a real Roy of the Rovers story. He is very hungry and happy to be here. We believe we can mould him into the player.
It would be madness if I didn’t have a say in who comes in. I’m the one selective the team. It is a collective decision. In terms of the talent, tee manager or head coach has a huge say.
It is constant communication, we have a head of recruitment, we have players that we already like, some agent led transfers, sometimes they come into consideration, sometimes statistics highlight a player. There’s a number of ways it is done.
In terms of talent ID, me and my immediate team decide.
Lee Johnson on manager of the month and recent form
I am very happy. The work rate of the players is fundamental and the focus. It was an important spell. We have performed well. I’m happy.
The more MOM nominations you get shows the success of the team. It is a collective award. It feels unfair that it was pushed towards the manager. It should be a collective award.
I have bene really pleased with Pritch. He will get confidence with that nomination.
Ex-Sunderland forward David Moberg Karlsson and Jon Stead have found themselves new clubs.
Karlsson has joined Japanese outfit Urawa Red Diamonds on a permanent deal.
The 27-year-old was at Sparta Prague and scored 21 goals in 74 games for the club.
Jon Stead has joined Tampa Bay Rowdies as an assistant coach to his Neill Collins.
The pair played together at Sunderland.
Stead retired 2021 and has entered in to the coaching world
Speaking about Stead, Collins said: “As you can imagine, there’s been so many candidates that are good coaches that we obviously considered, but I think with Jon, he also knows me and my personality. And I know Jon’s, and it’s different to mine.
“For me, that’s the single most important thing about that particular assistant role; having someone that knows what I’m like and can compliment that with different things. I think Jon will do that.”
Ex-Sunderland player and current Linfield boss David Healy on Trai Hume exit
“I want to wish Trai every success at Sunderland. He’s been a real credit to himself and his family since he has been at our club and worked his way through to becoming a first team regular and a hot cross channel transfer target.
“We’ve always had full belief and faith in Trai in our team and we always knew he’d be good enough to land a suitable opportunity across the water.
“He’s joining a huge club and one I know well. His new team are very much on the up at the minute and it’s a really great opportunity for Trai at this stage of his career.
“Of course we will miss him but we wish him every success and we know he will give the move his all and make the most of the terrific opportunity that has come his way.
“I know I speak for everyone at the club - directors, coaches, staff, players and supporters when I say Good luck in all that you do in this exciting new challenge that awaits you.”
DONE DEAL
Sunderland have completed the signing of Northern Irish right-back Trai Hume on a four-and-a-half-year contract – with a club option of a further year.
The 19-year-old will move to Wearside from Northern Irish champions Linfield FC for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £200,000, following interest from several clubs in England as well as SPL side Celtic.
Stoke boss Michael O’Neill was considering a late move for Hume, yet the player was keen to move to Sunderland after watching the Black Cats beat Sheffield Wednesday 5-0 at the Stadium of Light.
An attacking right-back, Hume has impressed for Linfield this season, scoring three goals and providing two assists in 17 games under the management of former Sunderland striker David Healy.
The Northern Ireland Under-21 international will be available for the Black Cats’ trip to Wycombe Wanderers this weekend.
Speaking to Sunderland’s official website, Hume said: “It feels amazing to be here at this massive club and I can’t wait to get out there in front of the fans with my new team-mates.
“I came to the Sheffield Wednesday match and it was absolutely bouncing – I loved every second of it.
“I’ve played over 50 games in the Irish league and I think that will help me settle in, but this is the right time for me to test myself in a new environment and this is the right club.
“Sunderland are aiming for bigger and better things and I can’t wait to get going.”
Black Cats boss Lee Johnson added: “We have been tracking Trai since the summer window and we are delighted to welcome him to Sunderland AFC.
“We are looking forward to working with him and seeing how he adapts to English football and the challenges of League One, as well as having a good calibre of player around him.
“We have to give him time, but we also have to push him as hard as we can to integrate him within the first team as soon as possible.”
Sunderland have been left short in the full-back area following a long-term injury to Niall Huggins, while Carl Winchester has been sidelined with a minor knock.
