Sunderland AFC transfer news RECAP: Charlie Wyke latest amid Celtic reports as Carabao Cup and Papa John's Trophy picture becomes clear

The summer is hotting up at the Stadium of Light.
Luke O'Nien of Sunderland in action during the Sky Bet League One match between Sunderland and Northampton Town at Stadium of Light.Luke O'Nien of Sunderland in action during the Sky Bet League One match between Sunderland and Northampton Town at Stadium of Light.
Luke O'Nien of Sunderland in action during the Sky Bet League One match between Sunderland and Northampton Town at Stadium of Light.

Sunderland now know that they will face Manchester United U21s alongside Lincoln City and Bradford City in the group stages of the Papa John’s Trophy.

The draw could mean a return to Wearside for talented academy products Joe Hugill and Logan Pye, who were both members of the United squad in last season’s competition.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Black Cats will also travel to Port Vale in the first round of Carabao Cup.

The ties are set to be played in the week beginning August 9th, though teams are able to bring that forward if both clubs agree to a mutually preferred date.

And there has been talks that Luke O’Nien is set to extend his stay at Sunderland with the player considering a new contract offer.

Scroll down for the latest news, transfer talk, analysis and more from the Stadium of Light

Sunderland AFC transfer news RECAP (Jun 25)

Key Events

  • Sunderland are to face Port Vale in the first round of the Carabao Cup
  • Manchester United U21s drawn as the final side in Sunderland's Papa John's Trophy group
  • Luke O’Nien is nearing an agreement to stay at Sunderland – according to reports.

Thanks for joining us today

We’re signing off for today but will have plenty more Black Cats content over the weekend.

See you soon.

Postecoglou on Celtic rebuild

Charlie Wyke continues to be linked with a move to Scottish giants Celtic, who have today unveiled their new boss.

Speaking at his unveiling, new Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has vowed to bring a new perspective to the Hoops.

On the rebuild required, Postecoglou said: “It’s fairly extensive. It is a season of change. But after a period of success and what happened last year, it was always going to be a period of change.

“But I see it is an opportunity to make changes in the direction I want.

“We’re working very hard but with the players we have existing, they will all be treated on merit. For the ones coming in, we’ll bring in ones who will fit.”

Power discusses Sunderland spell

Max Power has said it was a ‘privilege’ to play for Sunderland and has hailed the club’s support as he prepares to return to the Stadium of Light with Wigan Athletic.

Power signed a two-year deal at the DW Stadium last week, returning to the club where won two promotions in a previous spell.

“People could probably get an idea of some of the things that went on at the football club,” Power told Wigan Today.

“But honestly, it’s a great football club and it was a privilege to play there.

“You hear the fanbase being referred to as ‘toxic’, and that some of them can’t wait to boo you. That to me is just a load of rubbish really.

“I think any player who has a moan about the fanbase of any club is just looking for excuses.

“It’s a fanbase that’s just desperate to get behind the team, and when things are going well, there’s no better place to be.”

Read more HERE

Free agent striker attracting interest

Sunderland are likely to face competition if they pursue a move for striker Joe Pigott.

The 27-year-old is set to become a free agent this summer when his contract at AFC Wimbledon expires.

Sunderland are one of several clubs who have been credited with interest in the frontman, along with League One rivals Portsmouth.

Yet according to our sister title The Portsmouth News, Pompey are braced to miss out on Pigott, who is also attracting interest from Championship clubs Luton and Bristol City.

Charlie Wyke reports

According to Football Insider, Charlie Wyke has told Celtic he wants a four-year contract that will double his wages.

The report claims that Wyke, who will be out of contract this summer, has held talks with the SPL club this month and the striker is holding out for a long-term deal.

Sunderland’s 2021/22 fixtures in full

Sunderland to face Port Vale in the first round of the Carabao Cup

Sunderland will travel to Port Vale in the first round of Carabao Cup.

The Black Cats have been drawn away to the League Two side, who finished 13th last season and are managed by former Bristol Rovers boss Darrell Clarke.

Sunderland have faced Vale twice since their relegation to League One.

The Black Cats won 2-0 on the Papa John’s Trophy earlier this year, and were also 2-1 victors in a FA Cup first round win in November 2018.

The ties are set to be played in the week beginning August 9th, though teams are able to bring that forward if both clubs agree to a mutually preferred date.

As such, it could yet be that this tie is the first competitive fixture of Sunderland’s campaign, as was the case last year when the Black Cats were knocked out in the first round on penalties by Grant McCann’s Hull City.

Manchester United U21s drawn as the final side in Sunderland's Papa John's Trophy group

Manchester United U21s have been as the third group in Sunderland’s Papa John’s Trophy group.

The draw could mean a return to Wearside for talented academy products Joe Hugill and Logan Pye, who were both members of the United squad in last season’s competition.

Lee Johnson’s side had already discovered that they would be facing Lincoln and Bradford City in the group stage, with three of the four places in each group pre-determined by the EFL.

The Black Cats faced Lincoln City in the semi finals of the tournament last season, before beating Tranmere Rovers 1-0 in the final at Wembley.

Bradford City finished 15th in League Two last season, but have since poached Derek Adams after he led Morecambe to promotion through the play-offs. Sunderland will play two of their games at home, and one away from home.

Sunderland were also drawn against Port Vale away in the first round of the Carabao Cup earlier today.

The latest on Luke O’Nien

Luke O’Nien is nearing an agreement to stay at Sunderland – according to reports.

The fan favourite was one of four players offered fresh terms at the Stadium of Light following the conclusion of the 2020/21 season, and alongside Denver Hume, Aiden McGeady and Charlie Wyke is currently weighing-up his future.

Wyke is expected to depart amid links to Scottish giants Celtic, while Sunderland are hopeful of retaining both McGeady and Hume.

O’Nien was also linked with an exit – with Championship sides Millwall, Luton Town, Hull City and Preston North End all linked with summer moves.

But reports from Football Insider now suggest that O’Nien is ready to remain on Wearside after positive discussions.

They claim that the versatile player is ‘close’ to agreeing new terms, with hopes that a deal can be agreed before the club return to pre-season training after Sunderland made it a ‘priority’ to retain their in-demand star.