Transfer news: Sunderland's play-off rivals conclude young striker deal on deadline day

It was a disappointing end to Sunderland’s transfer window with Kristjaan Speakman and Stuart Harvey failing to bring a striker in on deadline day.
By James Copley
Published 1st Feb 2023, 08:21 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Following Ross Stewart’s injury against Fulham in the fourth round of the FA Cup at Craven Cottage last weekend, Tony Mowbray has just one out-and-out striker to call upon, Leeds United loanee Joe Geldhart.

The expectation amongst Sunderland fans was that the club would dip into the transfer or loan market to bring in cover and competition for the former Wigan Athletic man but the deadline passed without any such addition as former loanee Ellis Simms remained at Everton under Sean Dyche.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There was action elsewhere, however, with Sunderland’s play-off rivals Luton Town securing the services of highly-rated 20-year-old forward Joe Taylor from Peterborough United.

LUTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Rob Edwards, Manager of Luton Town, applauds the fans following the side's draw in the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Luton Town and Grimsby at Kenilworth Road on January 28, 2023 in Luton, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)LUTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Rob Edwards, Manager of Luton Town, applauds the fans following the side's draw in the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Luton Town and Grimsby at Kenilworth Road on January 28, 2023 in Luton, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)
LUTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Rob Edwards, Manager of Luton Town, applauds the fans following the side's draw in the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Luton Town and Grimsby at Kenilworth Road on January 28, 2023 in Luton, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)

Speaking through the club’s website after securing the deal, manager Rob Edwards said: “Joe’s an exciting young player and someone that the recruitment team here have been tracking for a while. He’s very quick, he gets chances and we really like the look of him.

“He’s still inexperienced at the moment, but we feel he will be a really good asset for the club going forward, someone we are looking forward to getting in the building and working with.”

Luton Town are currently fourth in the Championship having amassed 45 points from 28 games. Sunderland sit ninth with 41 points from the same number of games with the two clubs still to play each other at the Stadium of Light on March 18.

Related topics:SunderlandKristjaan SpeakmanEllis SimmsJoe TaylorTony Mowbray