Advertisement
Chaos

Disastrous Deadline Day leaves Sunderland with a goalkeeper and striker crisis

The club’s endured a miserable week and are left with little options regarding reinforcement.

IT’S THE POSITION every club wants to avoid being in – the chaotic scramble for players as the transfer window draws to a close.

Sunderland found themselves in crisis mode on Wednesday as they desperately tried to sign a goalkeeper.

First-choice Vito Mannone tore ligaments in his elbow and has been ruled out for up to three months. 22-year-old Jordan Pickford started in the 1-1 draw with Southampton but has picked up a thigh problem in recent days.

So, the club went into the frenzy of Deadline Day and failed to land a replacement. They wanted Boavista’s Mika but the paperwork wasn’t completed in time so the move never happened.

Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Leicester City v Hull City - King Power Stadium PA ARCHIVE IMAGES PA ARCHIVE IMAGES

Right now, Sunderland are without a fit senior goalkeeper. Reports suggest they may make a move for Mark Schwarzer, who turns 44 next month.

There are also issues at the other end of the pitch.

David Moyes needed attacking reinforcements given the departures of Steven Fletcher and Danny Graham in the summer. Fabio Borini will also miss the next three months because of injury and Jermain Defoe – the side’s only striker – is struggling with a hamstring strain.

But, Sunderland didn’t sign any forwards on deadline day and are now expected to look at the list of available free agents to try and soothe some of their multitude of headaches.

The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!

40-year-old Shay Given set for prolonged spell as Stoke’s first-choice after Butland injury setback

‘Jeff can be anything. He’s got a hell of a career ahead of him’

Your Voice
Readers Comments
10
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.