Credit: Imago

Jack Dawson

Fri 2 May 2025 14:12, UK

Sunderland’s January transfer window was seen as a success by fans.

The club brought in numerous new faces to help them fight for promotion, including Enzo Le Fee. 

This helped the club confirm their playoff spot in the Championship with multiple games to spare.

However, it has now become apparent that the club eventually lost £3 million in the transfer window due to Tommy Watson’s sale in April.

Sunderland lost £3 million in Tommy Watson transfer

Watson has been one of the breakout stars at Sunderland this year. The forward has played 19 times as the Black Cats reached the playoffs.

His brace against Stoke City in December has no doubt been the highlight of his campaign so far.

However, the 19-year-old will not be at the Stadium of Light next season, no matter what happens in the playoffs. 

Brighton agreed to sign Watson last month, and he will move to the Premier League outfit at the end of the season. 

Now, a recent development has stated that Sunderland have actually lost some money in the deal after they decided to reject a bid for the youngster in January.

According to the Daily Mail, via Chronicle Live (1 May), Brighton had made an offer for Watson in January worth up to £13 million. 

This was rejected by the Black Cats who wanted to hold onto the youngster until the end of the season.

However, with his contract expiring next summer, Sunderland felt obligated to accept the £10 million offer in April.

Sunderland not accepting January Watson bid is baffling

How Sunderland did not accept the January bid for Watson is baffling given that the youngster is now leaving anyway.

The forward is not a key player, and his departure in January would not have affected their place in the playoffs.

Yet, Sunderland chose to hold onto him and have now missed out on £3 million, which could be vital in the coming years.

Watson has also been playing terribly recently, proving that his sale earlier in the year would not have derailed the team’s form.