Sunderland have now reportedly agreed a last-minute deal to sign teenage winger Rhys Walsh from Northern Irish side Glentoran.
The Black Cats confirmed two deadline day signings to add to the arrival of defender Leo Hjelde as winger Romain Mundle joined from Standard Liege and versatile midfielder Callum Styles arrived on loan from Barnsley.
Many supporters were crying out for Sunderland to sign a striker but in their attempts to sign one, were priced out of a move for primary target Kieffer Moore.
The three players who arrived at the Stadium of Light, however, do add a great deal of depth to their defence, midfield and attack while fitting into their strategy of signing players who are aged 23 and under.
Now, it appears Beale has one more signing up his sleeve as Sunderland agreed a deal to sign 17-year-old winger Rhys Walsh from Glentoran.
Sunderland agree last-minute deal to sign Rhys Walsh
Sunderland have found success by shopping for Northern Irish players in the past. Trai Hume, Dan Ballard and the injured Corry Evans have all established themselves as key players in the North East.
Their success in signing players of that nationality has probably played a part in their move for Walsh.
According to the Belfast Telegraph, the Black Cats are signing him in a last-minute deal from Glentoran.
It is said that Sunderland are huge admirers of the teenage whiz and have decided to move for him now rather than wait till the summer with other English clubs showing interest.
Described by his manager Owen Feeney as someone who likes to “excite people” and get “bums off seats”, Walsh certainly boasts huge potential and he will hope to fulfil that in the Championship.
Walsh can repeat the success of Trai Hume
There are so many similarities between Walsh and Hume.
They both have the same agent Lee Mudd who helped facilitate their deals from the Irish League to Wearside.
On top of that, Hume arrived at the Stadium of Light as a teenager, just like Walsh will, and the versatile defender has since established himself as a mainstay in the first team.
The fact they also both descend from Northern Ireland gives supporters every reason to believe that the 17-year-old can repeat the success of his compatriot.
Unlike most players who arrive from afar, Walsh should take no time to become a part of the fabric at Sunderland right away with the likes of Hume, Ballard and Evans there to help him feel right at home.