Sunderland have just been dealt a hammer blow after it was revealed that key January target Tom Cannon has agreed a move to Sheffield United. But there’s now some good news coming out on the transfer front.
Tom Cannon will sign a four-and-a-half year deal at Sheffield United as the striker finally looks to have his long-term future sorted, following several years of back and forth and loan moves.
For Sunderland, it’s certainly a blow. Kristjaan Speakman has wanted the 22-year-old for some time and Kyril Louis-Dreyfus was prepared to big money on the table to sign Cannon.
It seems like that Speakman and Regis Le Bris want some attacking signings in the final two weeks of the transfer window. There’s a couple of strikers currently linked in Matija Frigan and Emil Riis, though Enzo Le Fee remains Sunderland’s only signing of the January transfer window so far.
Though as the Cannon door closes, the Rabbi Matondo door has quickly re-opened for the Black Cats.
Rabbi Matondo latest as Sunderland handed transfer lifeline
Sunderland have been linked with Matondo at Rangers, with the former Manchester City gem having fallen well out of favour at Ibrox. Sheffield Wednesday were linked alongside the Black Cats but it’s Coventry City who are making the most effort to sign the Welsh international.
On Wednesday it was revealed that Coventry City were closing in on the loan signing of Matondo from Rangers. Soon after that, Telegraph journalist Mike McGrath revealed that the move had stalled ‘over bonus payments/add-ons, with work to do to get deal completed’.
Matondo, 24, has two goals and two assists in six Scottish Premiership games for the Gers in 2024/25. But he’s been told he’s free to leave the club.
Sunderland star poised to leave as Black Cats eye Rabbi Matondo
Should Matondo join Sunderland then Le Bris’ options on the flanks would become even more impressive, with Tommy Watson and Romaine Mundle soon set to return to action.
But a possible move for Matondo aligns with Nazariy Rusyn’s reported Sunderland exit, which has also hit a snag. It’s reported that Rusyn rejected the chance to join Aberdeen on loan, but he is weighing up is options.
Rusyn leaving then could see Matondo arriving, as it’d open up a spot in the attacking ranks at the Stadium of Light. Coventry are seemingly the most keen but the door remains open for Sunderland to swoop in, should they really want to sign the winger.