A busy transfer window for Sunderland has taken another positive step today as one of Regis Le Bris’ fringe players moves on to another Championship club.
Sunderland fans may be more eager to see the club sign new players, but moving on those who are not part of Regis Le Bris’ plans is also just as important.
After the arrival of Enzo Le Fee last week, it would seem Sunderland’s next transfer priority is to sign a new striker.
Now, after trying to find a ‘positive solution’ for Aaron Connolly, the situation regarding the forward has been resolved definitively with the latest confirmed Sunderland transfer this month.
Aaron Connolly joins Millwall in positive Sunderland exit
After much speculation on his future, it has now been confirmed by the club that Aaron Connolly has moved on and will join Millwall on a free transfer as expected.
Discussing the exit, Kristjaan Speakman thanked Connolly for his contributions and made it clear that the parting of the ways has been an amicable one.
He said: “Aaron leaves with our best wishes and we thank him for his contribution this season. He’s in a really good place and has a desire to play more regular minutes, which is only natural considering his journey.
“I’m really pleased for him, as sometimes it’s forgotten that these players are regular people, who need care and support. We enjoy developing players and I think we’ve played an important part in Aaron’s story, which is something our players, staff, and supporters should be very proud of.”
Sunderland fans wish Aaron Connolly move had worked out
Connolly was signed on a free transfer in the summer, with a short-term deal put in place for a player with well-documented struggles. Sadly, Connolly was destined to fail at Sunderland, but the exit is clearly for the best for all parties.
The forward now gets the chance to build on the steady, if unremarkable, progress he made at the Stadium of Light with a club better-suited to his style of play and his needs.
Fans have taken to social media to share their own well wishes for Connolly, and their disappointment that things didn’t work out for him on Wearside.
One supporter wrote: “Shame it didn’t work out, really wanted him to succeed here. Cheers for the goal vs Millwall” Another added: “Just doesn’t fit the style of play, wish him the best at Millwall and hope he gets back to his best there.”
On his next steps, a fan suggested former Sunderland manager, Alex Neil, could be good for Connolly, posting: “Talented player, needs game time, will be a success under Alex Neil if he plays to his strengths.”
Meanwhile, Sunderland fans remained focus on what the club needs now, adding, “Hopefully someone comes in the other way straight away, no messing around please.” It remains to be seen if and how the Black Cats will replace Connolly at this stage, though Tom Cannon has been strongly linked with a move to Sunderland this month.