Sunderland ‘dodged a £10m bullet’ in the winter after what has happened elsewhere
Sunderland were linked with countless players throughout the course of the winter transfer window, though were only successful in their attempts to sign two players.
After the Black Cats swooped to sign Enzo Le Fee, many hoped that the winter window would be a turning point for Sunderland, but it didn’t pan out as many had planned.
Jayden Danns was the only arrival after the Frenchman, though there is a high chance that the Liverpool loanee will never play a game for Sunderland.
With that said, their inability to finalise a deal for one player appears to be a net positive for the club after what has happened elsewhere in the Championship.
Tom Cannon was a Sunderland target
Sunderland entered the window looking for a striker, but as always with the time of the year, prices are massively inflated and often not value for money in terms of the return on the pitch.
That has certainly been the case for Tom Cannon so far at Sheffield United, having joined for a reported £10million [BBC Sport], and despite playing six times, is yet to score a goal and has contributed just one assist.
| Sheffield United | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Tom Cannon | 6 | 0 | 1 |
Cannon was loosely linked to the Black Cats, though many appeared to be against the signing, given his price tag, and it appears to be the right decision so far.
Of course, the inability to secure his signature has, in turn, afforded more opportunities to Eliezer Mayenda, who has grabbed them with both hands and thrived throughout the campaign.
Only Wilson Isidor has more goal contributions than the Spaniard, despite him having only started 16 league encounters so far this season.
Sunderland may rue lack of recruitment in winter
While they certainly have their reasons for opting against a move for the likes of Cannon, there may be a feeling of disappointment that they weren’t able to bring in at least one or two more new faces.
Especially now that both winter arrivals are in the treatment room, the Wearsiders are very much in the same position now as they were prior to the window, albeit with Romaine Mundle back fit and Tommy Watson not far behind him.
With 11 games to go, Sunderland just need to focus on building momentum and finding that run of form that will be necessary if they are to be successful in the playoffs.