Sunderland’s deadline day was as hectic as many expected it to be. In the end though, only the one player moved to the Stadium of Light.
Jayden Danns was the man who joined Sunderland on deadline day. But the on loan Liverpool man is yet to feature owing to a previously unknown injury, and his return date is as yet unclear.
For Kristjaan Speakman, signing a new striker was the main priority going into the final hours of the January transfer window. A number of names were linked and Sunderland were ready to spend quite big on a loan-to-buy signing.
Earlier in the window, Sunderland completed the loan signing of Enzo Le Fee from Roma which includes a £20million obligation to buy in the event of promotion.
Now, sources have revealed that Sunderland almost sealed a similar deal for Southampton and former Newcastle United striker Adam Armstrong.
Sunderland agreed Adam Armstrong deal on deadline day
Sunderland were linked with Armstrong on deadline day in what was a surprising link, albeit an exciting one. The striker began his career with Newcastle United but boasts an incredible record at Championship level, with 78 goals in 235 games in the second tier.
Now, Sunderland AFC News sources can reveal that Armstrong rejected a deadline day move to the Stadium of Light because of his Newcastle United allegiances. However, Sunderland and owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus had agreed a very hefty deal for the 28-year-old.
Sources have told us Sunderland agreed to cover his full wages for the remainder of the season, as well as a ‘major’ obligation to buy in the event of promotion from the Championship this season.
After Armstrong made it clear he didn’t want to join Sunderland, Tony Mowbray’s West Brom swooped in and landed the striker.
Southampton paid £15million to sign Armstrong from Blackburn Rovers in 2021.
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Adam Armstrong’s record for West Brom so far
A move to West Brom made a lot of sense for Armstrong who previously flourished under Mowbray at Blackburn Rovers.
Since, Armstrong has scored one goal in three Championship appearances for the Baggies who currently sit in 6th place of the table, and 14 points behind Sunderland in 4th who take on Leeds United on Monday night.
Mowbray has so far won two of his six games in charge of the Baggies, having made his return to management after his battle with illness.