This is what happened to the players who left Sunderland in the summer - including Borussia Dortmund star
Sunderland parted ways with a host of players in the summer, but how have they done since?
The January transfer window is now open, giving Sunderland the chance to consolidate their position after a great start to life back in the Premier League.
But while fans get excited about new signings, clubs can also use the transfer window as an opportunity to clear out some unwanted talent and make space on the wage budget. Sunderland did just that over the summer, with a host of players departing on permanent and loan deals. So, before the winter madness kicks in, let’s take a look at how those players have done since leaving the Stadium of Light.
Jobe Bellingham
Joined: Borussia Dortmund
Jobe Bellingham was one of the stars of Sunderland’s promotion campaign, so seeing him leave for Borussia Dortmund in the summer was particularly painful. It hurts even more given how much he’s struggled in Germany so far, starting just five Bundesliga matches and failing to score or assist outside the Fifa Club World Cup. There have been clashes between Bellingham’s father and the powers that be at Dortmund, but the club are expected to back him for the rest of this season.
Tom Watson
Joined: Brighton
There must have been a million conflicting emotions running through Tom Watson’s head as he scored the Championship play-off final winner against Sheffield United, in the knowledge he’d already agreed a move to Brighton. At least the youngster left a hero. Watson has played just 50 minutes of Premier League football since joining the Seagulls, but did score on his debut as Brighton beat Oxford 6-0 in the EFL Cup. He then followed that up with a hat-trick of assists as Fabian Hurzeler’s men thrashed Barnsley in the next round by the same scoreline.
Pierre Ekwah
Joined: Saint-Etienne
Pierre Ekwah spent last season on loan at Saint-Etienne before joining the struggling French giants permanently in the summer. However, the 23-year-old has refused to play for the club since their relegation to Ligue 2 and remains on furlough amid legal disputes. He’s currently linked with Scottish giants Rangers.
Nectarios Triantis
Joined: Minnesota United
Triantis only ever played sporadically for Sunderland and enjoyed more success during loan spells with Hibernian. The Greece international joined Minnesota United in the summer and has registered three goals and two assists in 10 appearances for the MLS side so far.
Nathan Bishop
Joined: AFC Wimbledon
After a series of loans, back-up goalkeeper Nathan Bishop joined AFC Wimbledon permanently in the summer and has remained their No.1 since, helping the Dons sit 13th in League One.
Patrick Roberts
Joined: Birmingham City (loan)
Patrick Roberts was an important part of Sunderland’s promotion campaign and even came off the bench in their second Premier League game of the season against Burnley. However, not too long after, he joined Birmingham City on loan and has registered two goals and four assists in 21 Championship appearances so far.
Alan Browne
Joined: Middlesbrough (loan)
Alan Browne has been in and out of the starting line-up since joining Middlesbrough on loan, but has clocked up 20 appearances for the promotion chasers, scoring once.
Jenson Seelt
Joined: Wolfsburg (loan)
It never really worked out at Sunderland for Jenson Seelt, who has played 10 times so far on loan at Wolfsburg this season, including eight Bundesliga starts.
Adil Aouchiche
Joined: Aberdeen (loan)
Adil Aouchiche spent the end of last season on loan at Portsmouth, but has enjoyed more success north of the border at Aberdeen, netting three goals in 19 Scottish Premiership appearances so far, as well as assists in Europa League Qualifying and the Scottish League Cup.
Nazariy Rusyn
Joined: Arka Gdynia
Nazariy Rusyn continues to struggle for goals, scoring just once in 13 appearances across all competitions on loan in Poland this season.
Niall Huggins
Joined: Wycombe Wanderers (loan)
Niall Huggins has managed just 506 minutes so far on loan at Wycombe Wanderers, though he has scored once in League One and registered assists in the EFL Cup and EFL Trophy.
Milan Aleksic
Joined: Cracovia (loan)
Milan Aleksic grabbed an assist in the EFL Cup against Huddersfield before joining Cracovia on loan. In the league, he’s had little success in Poland, clocking up just 178 minutes. However, he did register a brace of assists in a 5-1 win over Gornik Leczna in the Polish Cup.
Luis Semedo
Joined: Moreirense (loan)
Luis Semedo never scored a goal for Sunderland, and he’s continued to struggle in his native Portugal for Moreirense, registering just one goal in seven appearances on loan so far.
Zak Johnson
Joined: York City (loan)
Zak Johnson is back training with Sunderland after his short-term loan with York City ended. The 21-year-old centre-back played three National League games for the Yorkshire side.
Marc Guiu
Joined: Chelsea (recalled from loan)
Marc Guiu’s loan with Sunderland was short and sweet, playing just 13 minutes across two Premier League appearances, while scoring in the EFL Cup against Huddersfield. The Spaniard was quickly recalled to Chelsea and has registered a goal and an assist in nine appearances across all competitions since.