Sunderland AFC transfer news RECAP: Ex-Newcastle United man linked with Cats to sign deal with League Two side
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The Black Cats added Alex Pritchard to their ranks on Friday in what is their first senior signing of the summer.
And further deals are expected to be clinched in the coming weeks, with Sunderland’s transfer team working hard to add to a squad that has been depleted by eight departures since the end of the 2021/22 season.
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Hide AdFull-backs and defenders continue to be a priority for the club, whose numbers at the back look limited. American full-back Eric Lichaj was understood to be training at the Academy of Light last week.
Meanwhile, Sunderland are still awaiting an answer from Denver Hume over his new contract. Luke O’Nien and Aiden McGeady have already committed their futures to the club, while Charlie Wyke opted to sign for Wigan.
We’ll have the latest from the Stadium of Light throughout the day:
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RECAP: Sunderland AFC transfer news and rumours (12 July)
Key Events
- Sunderland are on the hunt for their second summer signing after clinching a deal for Alex Pritchard
- The Black Cats enter their third week of pre-season training today
- Former goalkeeper Remi Matthews has been linked with a move to the Premier League
Sunderland academy graduate on trial at Doncaster Rovers
Former Sunderland academy graduate Nathan Thomas is on trial at Doncaster Rovers.
But the winger, who came through the ranks on Wearside before representing the likes of Sheffield United and Hartlepool United, was forced off after just ten minutes of Rovers’ 4-0 win at Rossington Main.
He won’t travel with the squad on their pre-season tour to Scotland, but manager Richie Wellens says the door is not necessarily shut on a deal for Thomas.
“We can make a quick decision on some but others might have to just take it and come in for another week as the opposition get more difficult,” he said. speaking to the Doncaster Free Press.
Joe Pigott ‘close’ to joining Ipswich Town
Joe Pigott is understood to be close to joining Ipswich Town – despite interest from Sunderland.
The East Anglian Daily Times report that the striker is set to put pen to paper at Portman Road and become the club’s seventh summer signing.
Pigott, who left AFC Wimbledon at the end of the 2020/21 season, has been a man in demand this summer after a campaign that saw him net 20 times in 45 games at Plough Lane.
Portsmouth, Luton Town and Bristol City were all known to be keen on the frontman, while it was claimed that Sunderland were prepared to offer lucrative wages to bring the striker to Wearside.
But it appears the striker is now heading for the Tractor Boys, who are splashing the cash under their new American owners.