Sunderland signed three new players in the final days of the winter transfer window, though fans have only seen one of them in action so far.
Sunderland looked like they were going to endure a very quiet January transfer window. But in the end, the Black Cats pulled off some decent signings.
Michael Beale‘s side managed to bring in Leo Hjelde, Callum Styles, and Romaine Mundle in the final days of the window, with Hjelde starting against Middlesbrough last weekend and finishing the game.
He looks like a strong signing and so too does Styles who joins on an initial loan deal from Barnsley.
Few know what to expect from the 20-year-old Mundle though; he was an unused substitute against Middlesbrough, after arriving from Standard Liege on deadline day.
Romaine Mundle makes Sunderland debut in U21s clash
The former Spurs youngster is relatively inexperienced. He’s made just six league appearances in his career with all of them coming at Liege this season, after spending several years in the Spurs academy and only featuring in cup competitions.
And it looks like he’ll be eased into action at the Stadium of Light with the left-winger featuring in an U21s clash vs Bristol City recently.
Mundle started as the Black Cats won 1-0 in the Premier League Cup, though Mundle didn’t really show too much in the game.
Sunderland Echo rated his performance 6/10, with journalist Joe Nicholson adding:
“Operated on the left, looking to cut in onto his favoured right foot. Skewed an early effort wide before linking up well with Aouchiche on a couple of occasions. Was substituted just after the hour mark.”
Patience needed with Mundle
Mundle is clearly held in high regards by those who brought him to Sunderland.
The Black Cats really do their due diligence and to pay what is believed to be a decent fee for the player really shows the club’s faith in him.
But patience is needed with Mundle. He’s still inexperienced and it’s not been an easy year or so for him after leaving Spurs and failing to really kick on at Liege.
He’s still very young though and playing in an environment at Sunderland where young players are all prevailing together should be very beneficial to him.
And he might yet hit the ground running; it was the same with Pierre Ekwah when he joined but he managed to settle in relatively quick.
Expect Mundle to be given some substitution appearances before he comes into starting contention, though it seems like next season will be the one where he’s really expected to step up, given the likelihood of Jack Clarke leaving.