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.
Reports have stated Defoe has signed for Sunderland
From the Scottish Sun: “Jermain Defoe has signed for Sunderland as he makes his return to the Stadium of Light.
“The veteran striker left Rangers earlier this month after three years with the club, during which he helped them win the Premiership last season.
“And SunSport understands he has now completed a deal which will take him back to Sunderland almost five years after he left.
“The 39-year-old will now hope to play a part as the Black Cats aim to win promotion back to the English Championship.”
What is the latest news?
Mick McCarthy is interested in the Sunderland vacancy and contact has been made with the Sunderland hierarchy, that’s according to Mark Douglas.
It is understood that no contact has been made with bookies favourite Duncan Ferguson.
According to Alan Nixon, potential new Everton manager Frank Lampard wants Ferguson to stay in his management team.
talkSPORT are reporting that Jermain Defoe reports have progressed.
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus explains Lee Johnson’s sacking as Sunderland head coach following Bolton Wanderers thrashing
Sunderland have announced that head coach Lee Johnson has left the club with immediate effect.
Johnson’s assistant Jamie McAllister has also departed the League One club, who are currently third following the 6-0 thrashing against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.
Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus said: “I would like to thank Lee for his commitment and endeavour over the past 14 months.
“We regret that we have had to take this decision, but felt immediate change was needed. We firmly believe that this is in the best interests of Sunderland AFC as we strive to earn promotion this season.
“Lee and Jamie will always be welcome at the Stadium of Light and they depart with our best wishes.”
The club also stated that the process to appoint a new head coach will begin immediately and stated that a further update regarding the club’s interim coaching set-up will be communicated to supporters shortly.
Former Bristol City boss Johnson took over at the Stadium of Light following the dismissal of Phil Parkinson in December 2020 and would lead Sunderland to the play-off semi-finals, where they would lose over two legs to Lincoln City.
The Black Cats, under Johnson’s guidance, did end their Wembley hoodoo and won for the first time in the national stadium since 1973 when they claimed the Papa John’s Trophy with a win against Tranmere Rovers.
Johnson guided Sunderland to 41 wins in 75 games was named League One Manager of the Month on two occasions.
However, Sunderland’s patchy form in League One this season has raised questions amongst supports with the Wearsiders losing heavily against Sheffield Wednesday (4-0), Rotherham United (5-1) and most recently Bolton Wanderers away from home by six goals to nil.
Johnson apologised to the Sunderland support following the game against Bolton and said it was the worst moment of his footballing career.
The head coach insisted he still believed he could oversee a promotion campaign this season but said his side had fallen ‘unbelievably short’ in all aspects of their performance.
However, the decision has been made to relieve Johnson of his duties with Sunderland sitting just outside of the automatic promotion spots in League One in their fourth season in the third tier.
