While Sunderland fans are keen to hear about more signings for the club this month, there may be one or two exits that make a big difference on Regis Le Bris’ squad.
Sunderland have already entered the market to make the big signing of Enzo Le Fee, but it appears the next transaction for the Black Cats will be the departure of Aaron Connolly.
Just last week, Regis Le Bris revealed he would have a conversation with Connolly to discuss his future, just months after the Irishman signed for Sunderland.
Now, it is believed Connolly will join Millwall on a free transfer after failing to make an impact on Wearside over the last few months.
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Aaron Connolly doesn’t suit Regis Le Bris’ playing style
Taking to Twitter/X to comment on the expected departure of Connolly, Michael Graham insisted the forward just didn’t fit in the Sunderland squad and the way that Le Bris likes to play football.
Graham wrote: “Think Aaron Connolly is a good player, but he’s not the profile needed for the quick transition game that Sunderland want to play. Hope he does well at Millwall if the move happens.”
Connolly made just 11 appearances for Sunderland this season, including two league starts. He scored only one goal, ironically, against Millwall, back in November.
He was always behind Wilson Isidor in the pecking order, but was recently overtaken by youngster, Eliezer Mayenda, as well.
Does Connolly’s exit mean a new striker is coming this month?
It would appear obvious that Sunderland’s next priority is to sign a new striker. That much was clear even before this latest development for Connolly, and becomes even more pertinent now.
Isidor has been hailed as one of the best strikers in the league, and his partnership with Mayenda of late has been a revelation, but there is a feeling that Sunderland just need that extra depth in the forward areas to really push them over the line in the promotion race.
The club has been linked with Tom Cannon, who may be recalled by Leicester City from his loan spell at Stoke City before heading out elsewhere this month.
Meanwhile, Ben Brereton-Diaz has also been mooted as an option, but Sunderland face competition from Sheffield United for the Chilean.