Sunderland have taken a gamble on striker Aaron Connolly, who’s joined the Black Cats on a deal until the end of the season.
Sunderland have done a rare bit of shopping outside the transfer window by signing former Brighton and Hull City striker Aaron Connolly on a free transfer.
The 24-year-old has been without a club since the end of last season after being let go by Hull City, following a one-year spell with the Tigers.
Last season, Connolly scored eight in 24 Championship outings, making just 13 starts as injuries once again hampered his campaign.
But aside from his chequered injury record, Connolly has also had issues off the pitch, admitting himself in previous interviews that he’s been around the wrong crowd.
Journalist Michael Graham believes that Connolly’s professionalism will be his biggest challenge at the Stadium of Light this season.
But he remains a striker with a decent track record in the Championship, with strikers often lacking in the Sunderland first-team squad.
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BBC pundit hails ‘irritant’ Aaron Connolly
Speaking on Total Sport, BBC Humberside commentator Mike White gave his verdict on Connolly’s arrival on Wearside.
White saw Connolly in action throughout last season and praised his natural goal-scoring ability, predicting that Connolly will be a success at Sunderland, if he can stay fit.
And White also suggested why Connolly has the potential to become something of a cult hero among Black Cats fans.
He said: “He’s an irritant. And I mean that for the opposition. He’s one of those players; if he’s on your side, you love him. If he’s on the opposition, he winds you up beyond belief.
“He’ll annoy the defenders, he’ll try get in their head, he probably is maybe having a little word with them and wind them up as well.”
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Regis Le Bris must find balance with Aaron Connolly at Sunderland
Regis Le Bris still has a very youthful and inexperienced side. And at times this season, we’ve seen that inexperience show.
Marco Gabbiadini has been critical of Romaine Mundle for how he’s reacted to challenges, in the defeat vs Plymouth Argyle in particular.
Connolly is a bit older and more experienced than most at Sunderland. But he has that ability to react poorly, and so managing and containing that will be the key for Le Bris.
The key for Connolly is staying fit. But like White says, he’s a player who opponents will hate coming up against, and if he can hit the ground running then he’ll quickly become a well-liked player at Sunderland.