Finance expert reacts to ‘Shrewd’ recent transfer business concluded by Sunderland
Regis Le Bris and Sunderland have pulled off a “shrewd” piece of business with the signing of Aaron Connolly, according to football finance expert Dan Plumley.
The Black Cats have signed the Republic of Ireland international as a free agent on a deal until the end of the season after he left Hull City as a free agent at the end of last season.
Although the 24-year-old is yet to start a game for Le Bris’ side this season, Plumley insists that while no transfer is completely “risk-free” the deal to bring Connolly to the Stadium of Light could reward the Black Cats in the long run.
“I think you’re looking at the age profile, aren’t you?” Plumley exclusively told Mackem News.
“If you can get them in for no transfer fee that’s a bonus as well.”
Why did Aaron Connolly exit Hull City before Sunderland transfer?
Plumley added: “No transfer is completely risk-free, but if you’re looking at all the metrics that you’re looking at for that player and maybe where the potential goes, it could be a really shrewd bit of business in the long run.
“Especially if that player fulfils that potential.”
So far, Connolly has made three substitute appearances for Le Bris’ side, playing a total of 50 of Championship football this term without yet scoring or assisting.
But the 24-year-old has plenty of experience in England’s second tier and with Sunderland flying high at the top of the Championship table, Le Bris can afford to slowly bed the Ireland international into his side over time.
It is almost a win-win deal for the Black Cats. They either get a new striker to boost their attacking threat for the remainder of the season, or they cut their ties with Connolly when his deal expires at the end of the season.
Either way, Le Bris’ side haven’t spent too much money on the forward and the striker has another opportunity to get his career back on track after a difficult few seasons away from the Stadium of Light.
In other Sunderland news, Oxford boss Des Buckingham was amazed by Wilson Isidor’s goal that secured all three points for Sunderland.
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