Sunderland’s best-ever deadline day signings: Amad Diallo and Liverpool loan star
Sunderland, like so many other clubs, have completed some eye-catching Deadline Day deals over the years.
The day is synonymous with English football, with Harry Redknapp’s car, Jim White’s tie, and Peter Odemwingie all springing to mind.
While many Sunderland supporters are dreaming of singing Amad Diallo, that will probably remain just a dream for the time being.
However, Diallo represents one of the greatest Deadline Day deals on Wearside, while a certain Liverpool man also springs to mind.
Sunderland completed loan masterstroke with Amad Diallo
Sunderland were linked with a stunning return for Diallo after they secured promotion, but a move right now would be surprising.
The winger signed on a season-long loan from Man United in the summer of 2022, but nobody could have foreseen the impact that he would go on to make.
In his early performances, the Ivory Coast international looked decent enough without really standing out from the crowd.
However, something clicked on Wearside that would make Diallo perhaps the greatest loan signing in Sunderland’s history.
The right-winger became unplayable and forged a threatening partnership with Patrick Roberts under the stewardship of Tony Mowbray.
Indeed, Mowbray allowed his young team to play with freedom, and that seemingly spurred Diallo on to reach the top of his game.
- Diallo recorded 18 goal contributions in all competitions
- He said Mowbray was like a father to him
- The Ivorian has become a Man United regular
While his stint did not end with promotion, his free-kick goal against Luton Town in the play-offs summed up what he was capable of at the Stadium of Light.
What makes the Ivory Coast international even more special is his unique bond with the Wearside faithful.
Indeed, Diallo came to watch Sunderland in the play-offs; he did not have to, but it highlighted how much he loves the North East club.
When Simon Adingra signed for the Premier League club, he even spoke of the influence his international team-mate had on his decision.
That is why Diallo is the Black Cats’ greatest Deadline Day signing.
Read more: Amad Diallo reacts as Sunderland defeat Coventry City to reach Wembley
Fabio Borini produced magic moments at Stadium of Light
Borini had two stints with the Wearsiders that went very differently.
The Italian initially joined the Black Cats on a season-long loan from Liverpool in 2013 in search of first-team football.
Having been on Liverpool and Chelsea’s books, there was cause for some optimism, although he has never really reached his potential.
The forward did not exactly produce in front of goal at the start of his spell, managing just one league goal in 16 appearances.
However, Borini played for the shirt and no supporter could knock him for giving it a right go in red and white.
What made the Italy international standout was his passion.
Indeed, the forward saved his best form for the end of the season, when Sunderland were predictably battling relegation.
Borini struck a goal and assisted against the old foe Newcastle United to spark bedlam in the away end at St James’ Park.
- He scored four goals in the final five games of the Premier League season
- Borini notched three goals in five Carabao Cup matches
- Steered Sunderland towards safety
Furthermore, the Italian triggered what was one of the greatest moments in the North East club’s recent history by scoring the opening goal against Manchester City in the 2014 Carabao Cup final.
Borini returned on a permanent deal but was unable to replicate his form, with the Black Cats going down without a whimper.
Looking back, the poor deadline day signings probably outweigh the good, but in Borini and Diallo, Sunderland found the perfect Deadline Day signings.
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