Image source, Getty ImagesMichael Beale has given his reaction to Sunderland's transfer window.
The Black Cats head coach has spoken to BBC Radio Newcastle's Sunderland commentator Nick Barnes about the business the club conducted in January.
Beale discussed his familiarity with the new signings, the lack of new striker and more.
Image source, Getty ImagesKristjaan Speakman has spoken to BBC Radio Newcastle's Nick Barnes about the Sunderland's transfer business.
The sporting director explained why the club didn't sign a striker: "The nine position is very similar to the rest of them which is you have three of four targets that you obviously have to try prioritise.
"I think the forward position is always an area you want to try and strengthen and improve if you can.
"We went right down to the wire on three or four of them and then at the end of it, you know, it wasn't meant to be for various reasons. Availability and ultimately choice.
"I think sometimes finance can get drawn into it. Ultimately, you've always got a choice if you want to go and spend more and more but there also comes a point where you have to evaluate that against the value.
"On this occasion that didn't come through for us so it's not something that was sitting around in huge frustration if I'm quite frank with you.
"We're happy we improved the forward line with Romaine joining us and ultimately we've got three players in the building that we believe in and obviously we want to make sure that they can have the opportunity.
"They also need to step up and perform don't they."
Image source, Getty ImagesKristjaan Speakman has spoken about Sunderland's January transfer business.
The Black Cats' sporting director has spoken to BBC Radio Newcastle's Sunderland commmentator Nick Barnes about the lack of striker signed, allowing Mayenda to go on loan and how close the new boys are to being fit to play.
Image source, Getty ImagesCallum Styles' move to Sunderland has been a long time coming.
The midfielder says "I'm just buzzing. Buzzing I'm here, finally. It's been a couple of years in the background working on it but finally I'm here and I'm really happy to get started."
As has become custom for players coming to Wearside, Styles is a workhorse. He says "I give 100% every game. I'll bring quality to the team. Obviously it's a really young team, a lot of quality already, I'm just looking to add to that."
Styles is a player with ambition too, with he sights set on the Premier League: "We need to push for promotion this year. Obviously last year came a little bit short but the lads did really well and hopefully this year we can get over the line."
The 23-year-old has a lot of experience for his age with over 200 domestic appearances and a regular at international level for Hungary.
"We've done really well, the national team. Obviously, qualified for the Euros which is a massive achievement.
"I think I've got about 18 caps so yeah, I'm really experienced at that level and hopefully I can bring that experience to Sunderland and help the lads kick on."
Styles also says he wants to add more goals to his game and is excited to play in front of the 40,000+ crowds at the Stadium of Light.
"Ever since I was a kid, the club's been absolutely huge. The fanbase is incredible.
"What was it last game, 41,000 at the game? So, just to play in front of that most weeks is a bit different to what I've been used to. Obviously at international level we get 60,000 a game so I'm equipped for that.
"I just can't wait to play in front of the fans."
We asked for your comments on Sunderland's January transfer business.
Here are some of your responses:
Adrian: I worry about losing another academy player this time to Brighton and two more targets chose other Championship teams over us. Why are we not attracting players?
Dan: I think there were three priorities: 1. A striker 2. A striker 3. A striker. So not the best window really.
Ant: After a transfer window you hope your squad has improved. I don't think even Speakman could claim that this time. A solid, reliable, experienced player departs replaced by wingers with 'potential' that we don't need anyway. Oh, nearly forgot - just where is that goalscorer that everyone knows we need.
Kathleen: What a shower. Not a clue. We're going backwards. Laughing stock of the North East. How long can we go on without a recognised striker?
Mike: Three middle of the road signings. Loss of a key quality experienced player who would rather play for Mowbray than Beale. Still no punchy number 9. What is there to like about that?
Lawrence: Poor transfer window as expected. How is it that a club the size of Sunderland cannot compete with the likes of Ipswich for Kieffer Moore?
Pete: Underwhelming window which doesn’t address any of our issues. Talk of Diallo and Moore, as expected, amounting to nothing. Absolutely zero ambition shown. Now waiting for the ultimate irony of Mowbray’s Birmingham finishing higher than us.
Image source, Getty ImagesSunderland have announced a late transfer signing bringing Rhys Walsh to Wearside.
The 17-year-old winger arrives from Northern Ireland and will be part of the Black Cats' academy set-up but has made senior appearances for old club Glentoran including in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
On the club website, academy manager Robin Nicholls said: “Rhys is a player we have coveted for some time and he spent a period with us on trial earlier in 2023.
"He is an exciting forward, who can operate on either wing or play centrally, and he will join our Under-18 set-up for the remainder of the season.
"We are delighted to welcome him to Sunderland and after gaining senior experience this season with Glentoran, we hope that he will be able to settle quickly and hit the ground running.”
The January transfer window is now closed!
Sunderland secured the signings of Leo Hjelde and Romaine Mundle on permanent deals while Callum Styles joined the club on loan with an option to become permanent at the end of the season.
Hjelde comes from Championship rivals Leeds and is a ball-playing defender who can play left-centre-back, left-back and left-wing-back.
Mundle is a pacey winger joining from Standard Liege who came through Tottenham's academy system.
Styles from League One's Barnsley is a utility-man compared to Luke O'Nien in terms of the amount of positions he can play but is most comfortable in central midfield.
Harry Gardiner, Jack Diamond, Jewison Bennette, Nectarios Triantis, Jay Matete and Eliezer Mayenda all left Wearside on loan deals while Alex Pritchard and Josh Robertson left the club on permanent deals.
How do you feel about the Black Cats' business in the transfer window?
Image source, Getty ImagesEliezer Mayenda has joined Hibernian on loan for the rest of the season.
The Spanish striker joins defender Nectarios Triantis at the Scottish side.
Mayenda joined Sunderland in the summer but suffered injury early on and has since struggled to get into the first team and is yet to score his first goal for the club.
On the club website, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman says, “Eliezer is an exciting prospect and we are really pleased by the way he’s adapted to the English game and embraced life at Sunderland.
"Opportunities for regular playing time in our senior team are limited at present and we wanted to ensure we made the best use of the remaining games this campaign.
"We believe this opportunity will achieve that outcome in a comparable environment that will provide big games in big atmospheres, which will benefit Eliezer ahead of a return to the Stadium of Light next season.”
Image source, Getty ImagesCallum Styles has signed for Sunderland from Barnsley.
The midfielder joins from the League One side on an initial loan with an option from the Black Cats to make the deal permanent.
On the club website, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman says, “Callum is an interesting player, who has the ability to play on the left side of central midfield or slightly wider in a full back or wing back role, so we feel his quality and flexibility will be a real benefit to us throughout the remainder of the season.
Having reached an agreement in principle last week, we had an unavoidable delay due to Callum’s illness, but after reviewing his progress, we are now delighted that he’s here and we look forward to his imminent return to action.”
Image source, Getty ImagesJay Matete has joined Oxford United on loan for the rest of the season.
The midfielder has made the move to the League One club for the rest of the season.
The 22-year-old has been injured throughout the season so far and spent the second half of last season with Plymouth Argyle.
On the club website, sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman says, “We were pleased with Jay’s progress last season and he returned from his loan spell ready to challenge for a place in our team.
Unfortunately, he suffered a setback in pre-season but he’s worked hard to return to fitness and ensure he’s ready for the second half of the campaign.
Jay’s immediate requirements are best supported by playing regularly in the coming months and we hope this move provides a platform for him to do that.”
Image source, Getty ImagesJosh Robertson has joined Brighton and Hove Albion.
The 18-year-old midfielder was a prospect in the youth teams but was yet to make a first team appearance.
On the club website, academy manager Robin Nicholls said: “Josh’s scholarship was due to expire at the end of this season and after indicating that he did not wish to commit his future to SAFC, we reluctantly accepted to pursue the next-best solution for the Club and the player.
"We are disappointed that Josh will be departing the group, as he is a player with potential that we hoped could eventually progress into our senior team, but we wish him well for the future and are proud to have played an integral role in his development.”
Image source, Getty ImagesMarco Gabbiadini has been talking about how highly he rates Abdoullah Ba.
On BBC Radio Newcastle's Total Sport, the former Sunderland striker said, "I like Ba. He's a bit of a fire starter.
"He takes the ball to the opposition. He wants to go past people. He's got some silky little tricks hasn't he? He has a little feint and goes past people quite easily.
"I've always been a fan of him actually, so it'd be nice to see him get a bit more of an influence and I think when he does get these minutes, he comes on or does get the odd game because of injury or whatever, he always seems to have an impact on the game whether it's an assist or the odd goal here and there.
"He's another one who I'd be pleased if he got a few more opportunities to show us really what he's all about.
"He has got a bit of pace about him as well. You know, sort of, tight areas, he can wriggle through spaces and get towards the goal. I think we need a little bit more of that.
"A little bit more adventure around the box rather than... Sometimes with Roberts, he does like to pass in little triangles, move the ball and get it back in a different place where as I think Ba sometimes is a bit more direct and gets you where you want to be quicker."
Image source, Getty ImagesSunderland target Kieffer Moore has joined Ipswich Town on loan from Bournemouth.
Fans were hoping for the striker to join the Black Cats to answer calls for an experienced forward but the club were unable to compete with The Tractor Boys to pay for Moore's wages.
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your reaction to Alex Pritchard's Sunderland exit as the midfielder joined Birmingham City on deadline day.
Here are some of your comments:
Chris: Very sorry to see Pritchard go, one of Sunderland's best players we can ill afford to lose. Don't know what has gone on at the club regarding Pritchard, but he has acted in a very unprofessional way refusing to play for us again when he was under contract.
Robert: A good player and undoubtedly a loss to SAFC. The club needs to sign rather than lose a few more experienced players proven in the Championship to help the development of the younger squad members. I am not in a position to condemn him without knowing all the facts. As long as anyone in his position is prepared to take the consequences!
Simon: Selling Pritchard feels like a real backwards move. He is arguably the best midfielder we've had in a long time and the fact he is going to Birmingham to join Mowbray says it all. Beale is not up to the job and I just hope he doesn't drag us back into a relegation battle either this season or next. We should never have sacked Mowbray...
Phil: No fit player, under a reasonable contact, should be allowed to refuse to play! I do think he should have been given an improved contact, due to his importance over the last 18 months. Obviously, the club felt differently!
Charlie: While it’s disappointing to see Pritchard leave it’s been expected especially since he refused to play at the weekend. He has been a popular player since he arrived and helped the club to move forward but everyone’s time comes to an end eventually so goodbye and good luck in the future and thanks for the memories.
Image source, Getty ImagesSunderland defender Nectarios Triantis has joined Hibernian on loan for the rest of the season.
The Australian centre-back joined the Black Cats in the summer but has spent more time in the youth set-up than with the first team and will be looking for more playing time in Scotland.
Triantis reunites with former manager Nick Montgomery who he played under at Central Coast Mariners.
On the club website, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman says, “Nectar’s move to Sunderland last summer was a big step for him – professionally and personally – and we are really pleased with his progress.
"We were happy for him to remain at the Club for the rest of the season, but felt this was a unique opportunity in a strong league at a Club where he has existing relationships, which will only help him.
"He has a strong ambition to play regularly during the remainder of the campaign, which we fully support, and we hope this period concludes a really positive start to his time at Sunderland AFC.”
Image source, Getty ImagesAlex Pritchard has posted a goodbye message on Instagram after joining Birmingham City on transfer deadline day.
The 30-year-old midfielder says, "Dear Sunderland fans, staff, and team mates.
"I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to the amazing fans, dedicated staff, and everyone associated with the club. Your unwavering support and passion have meant the world to me, and I am truly grateful for the unforgettable memories we’ve shared.
"I am immensely proud of the part I played in our promotion and the exhilarating experiences of competing in the Championship. These moments will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I will cherish them for the rest of my career.
"At this point of my career, stability and security are paramount, so I had to explore other avenues in the best interest for my career.
"Once again, I want to express my deepest thanks to each and every one of you for your incredible support and the unforgettable journey we’ve shared. I will always look back on my time at Sunderland with fondness and pride. I wish you nothing but success for the future.
"With warm regards,
"Pritch 🔴⚪️"
Image source, Getty ImagesSunderland's new winger Romaine Mundle is ready and raring to go on Wearside.
In an interview with the club, the 20-year-old discusses what attracted him to the Black Cats and his experience at Tottenham and Standard Liege but his face really lights up when asked what kind of player he is.
"Quick winger. Skilful and willing to work hard" sounds like the makings of a fan favourite at the Stadium of Light.
Mundle says the move feels "surreal" and he "can't wait to get started, play in front of the fans and develop as a player."
The winger says, "For me, it was a no brainer. A club with a lot of history and I thought, yeah, this could be the right move for me in order to proceed in my career.
"The project and the fan base, the staff, I can't really say no to be honest. Sunderland is a massive club in England and I thought for me and my development, I thought this was the right step."
It's clear the fans are a big draw for Sunderland's recruitment team. With the highest home and away attendances in the Championship - besting plenty of the Premier League crowds too.
After visiting the Stadium of Light, Mundle said, "I can't wait for it to be packed and playing in front of the fans. Amazing stadium. It just needs to get going now."
Image source, Getty ImagesSunderland full-back Trai Hume faces tough competition at right-back for Northern Ireland with the emergence of Liverpool's Conor Bradley.
Hume has become one of the Black Cats' key players while Bradley has broken into Jurgen Klopp's side following an injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold and has impressed with six goal contributions in nine appearances this season.
When asked about fitting Hume and Bradley into the team, Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill said, external, "Trai is a very versatile player.
"If you looked at the start of the campaign, we played with three at the back. So, we played with a wing-back.
"I felt Conor was better suited in the first two games and Trai didn't play in the first two games because I had watched a lot of Conor play as a wing-back for Bolton. So, they were playing with that system and he played extremely well.
"Trai was playing more as a traditional right-back in a back four for Sunderland. But what Trai has is great flexibility. I was at his game on Saturday against Stoke, he was playing left-back. He's played left-back for us, he's a left-wing-back out in Denmark.
"That's the challenge. I think Conor can play in various positions as well. I think he's versatile. I think he could play higher up.
"They could both play on the right hand side depending on what system of play you play and I think either player if push came to shove, would be comfortable playing on the left hand side of the pitch.
"So, it's a nice problem to have. I'd rather have it than not have it."
Image source, Getty ImagesOn BBC Radio Newcastle's football phone-in Total Sport, Marco Gabbiadini discussed the possibility of Luke O'Nien moving back to midfield.
The former Sunderland striker said, "Now we've got some more defensive options, maybe Luke O'Nien might end up back in midfield again because I do think we need a little bit more steel in there."
O'Nien has partnered Dan Ballard this season for Sunderland but has previously played all over the pitch for the Black Cats, initially as a central midfielder.
The current club captain faces competition from new signing Leo Hjelde who can play left-back or left-centre-back and Jenson Seelt, who has been impressing at right-back, is an option at centre-back too.
With Timothee Pembele returning from injury and Trai Hume currently playing on the left, Sunderland are developing a strong depth of right-backs which could see Seelt force his way in at centre-back instead.
Gabbiadini said, "I thought Seelt did well on Saturday. He likes a tackle, gets stuck in but also not afraid to pass forward. He did pass forward quicker. It wasn't intricate from him. He got the ball into dangerous areas.
"I thought he did okay but all these players, they all have the same issue, they all want to play and get more minutes to keep improving. Pembele we've not really seen hardly any of him, so he'll be desperate to try and get some minutes under the belt but there's a few options."
When considering Sunderland's currently injured defensive options of Dennis Cirkin, Aji Alese, Niall Huggins. If everyone is fully fit, there's an embarrassment of riches in defence for Sunderland.
Corry Evans has been out for some time with a serious injury and Jay Matete has struggled with fitness too.
Dan Neil, Pierre Ekwah and Jobe Bellingham have played the majority of games this season but there is a lack of cover and all of them have shown their strength in more attacking positions.
Many fans are crying out for a holding midfielder. Is Luke O'Nien the man for the job?
Image source, Sunderland AFCSunderland have announced the signing of Romaine Mundle.
The winger joins the Black Cats from Belgian side Standard Liege on a four-and-a-half-year contract.
On the club website sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said, “Talented players like Romaine are highly sought after and we saw this first hand in the summer when he left Tottenham Hotspur.
"We didn’t anticipate him being available on a permanent basis, but when we sensed an opportunity, we moved quickly and decisively to make it happen - our ways of working and structure are a real strength in these moments.
"This is an important step in Romaine's career following a spell overseas and we look forward to helping him settle, as he makes Sunderland his new home.
"He’s got a bright future ahead of him as part of an exciting squad, and we look forward to working with him."
