Sunderland AFC transfer deadline RECAP: 'What do you think' - Watch Jermain Defoe's brilliant reaction to Sunderland Fan TV after arriving at the Academy of Light
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The Black Cats completed five new signings, with Trai Hume, Danny Batth, Patrick Roberts, Jack Clarke and Jay Matete moving to the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland are also set to announce the return of Jermain Defoe, yet that deal can be done after the deadline as the striker is a free agent.
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Hide AdThere have also been some departures, with Tom Flanagan and Aiden O’Brien leaving the club.
Scroll down to see how deadline day unfolded:
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Sunderland AFC transfer deadline day RECAP
Key Events
- The transfer window has shut - and clubs have an extra two hours in which to finalise any in or outgoings.
- Jermain Defoe is set to re-sign for Sunderland.
- The Black Cats have signed Fleetwood midfielder Jay Matete.
- Aiden O’Brien has signed for Portsmouth on a permanent deal.
- Tom Flanagan has completed his deadline day move to Shrewsbury Town.
- Sunderland are looking for a new head coach following the sacking of Lee Johnson.
Where we stand with less than three hours to go
Right then, with less than three hours to go, here’s the situation as it stands.
Jermain Defoe remains in advanced talks with Sunderland, yet it’s worth remembering a deal doesn’t have to be completed today as the striker is a free agent.
The Black Cats appear to to have moved ahead of Ipswich in the race to sign Fleetwood midfielder Jay Matete before tonight’s 11pm deadline.
Fulham defender Terence Kongolo has also been on Sunderland’s radar.
There has been interest in Lynden Gooch, as well as rumours about Tom Flanagan, yet it’s unclear if Sunderland will allow either to leave the club.
Kongolo on club’s radar
Fulham defender Terence Kongolo has emerged as a potential late signing for Sunderland - with the Black Cats working on a deal.
The 27-year-old hasn’t featured for Fulham this season after multiple injury setbacks during the 2020/21 campaign.
Kongolo has predominantly played as a centre-back but has also operated at left-back.
Harvey White staying at Spurs
Sunderland were credited with interest in Tottenham midfielder Harvey White - yet it now looks like he’ll be staying at Spurs.
According to Dan Kilpatrick, Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has blocked a loan move for White following the departures of Giovani Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele, while Dele Alli is also expected to join Everton.
DONE DEAL: Aiden O’Brien joins Portsmouth
Portsmouth have completed the signing of Aiden O’Brien from Sunderland on a permanent deal.
The 28-year-old’s contract at the Stadium of Light was set to expire at the end of the season, while he has fallen down the pecking order following the arrivals of Jack Clarke and Patrick Roberts on Wearside.
O’Brien was set to join Doncaster in the summer, yet the deal wasn’t completed in time.
The forward has made 17 League One appearances for Sunderland this season, while he also bagged a hat-trick at Blackpool in the Carabao Cup.
Sunderland’s Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman said: “Aiden’s contract was due to expire this summer and although he has had impactful moments throughout the season, he has consistently voiced his desire to play regular football.
“We feel this move gives him the best opportunity to secure more playing time whilst also supporting his career in the long-term and we wish him well for the future.”
Kimpioka and Dyce start for the under-23s
Both Benji Kimpioka and Tyrese Dyce start for Sunderland’s under-23 side against Nottingham Forest tonight.
Black Cats coach Mike Dodds told the Echo last week that both could leave on loan to gain more game time.
Players can still move to National League clubs after tonight’s 11pm deadline.
Another late move
Sunderland look set to beat Ipswich Town to the signing of Fleetwood midfielder Jay Matete.
The 20-year-old has made 20 League One appearances for Fleetwood this season and has attracted interest from multiple clubs.
Yet, according to the Ipswich Star, the Tractor Boys have cooled their interest, with Matete now holding talks with Sunderland.
The Black Cats have been looking to bolster their midfield options with Luke O’Nien still recovering from a shoulder surgery.
