Social media rumour claims Sunderland are set to sign free agent striker, it’s ‘false’
Sunderland made good use of the free agent market over the summer.
Sunderland have often had mixed results when shopping in the free agent market.
But sporting director Kristjaan Speakman made some good additions from said market over the summer, signing four players for £0.
All of Ian Poveda, Alan Browne, Simon Moore, and Blondy Nna Noukeu moved to the Stadium of Light on free transfers in the summer.
Browne has been the standout so far, but the Irishman has been ruled out for the clash vs Middlesbrough this weekend with a minor knee injury.
Poveda is yet to really get a run out in the side, largely due to the volume of players in the attacking department right now, which is of course a nice problem for Regis Le Bris to have.
On Thursday, rumours started spreading on social media that Sunderland were set to sign a free agent striker, with the striker department still somewhat light.
James Copley debunks Aaron Connolly to Sunderland rumour
It was claimed on social media that free agent striker Aaron Connolly was set to undergo a medical with Sunderland ahead of a move to Wearside.
The Irish striker was let go by Brighton in 2023 and joined Hull City on a one-year deal, owing to injury concerns over the 24-year-old.
He went on to score eight goals in 23 Championship outings before leaving, having been linked with a handful of Football League clubs throughout the summer.
But he won’t be joining Sunderland. Journalist James Copley posted on X:
“As you’ve probably already guessed, I’m told the Aaron Connolly-is-signing-for-Sunderland-tomorrow rumour that is doing the rounds online is false.”
Do Sunderland need to sign any free agents right now
After the summer transfer window, and after deadline day in particular, Sunderland have a healthy-looking first-team squad.
Another striker wouldn’t have gone amiss, especially given the injury to Ahmed Abdullahi and the Championship inexperience of both Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor.
So Connolly to Sunderland in that sense makes sense.
But he’s got his injury issues, and the fact that no club has snapped him up yet may suggest that many have decided against a move for Connolly.
He remains an experienced striker, still at a good age, and one who had a good goal return in the Championship last season.
If he can prove his fitness then he’ll land at a good club, potentially in the Championship where he might end up playing against Sunderland at one point this season.
