Sunderland’s January Transfer Window: Ins and Outs
Sunderland were one of the more active clubs in the Championship during the January transfer window, making key additions to strengthen their squad while also offloading players who were deemed surplus to requirements. With the club already in contention for promotion, manager Regis Le Bris and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman focused on bringing in quality reinforcements while ensuring that some of the younger players gained valuable experience through loan moves.
The biggest signing of the window was undoubtedly the arrival of Enzo Le Fee from AS Roma, a move that could prove to be a game-changer in Sunderland’s bid for a Premier League return. Meanwhile, the club also secured the permanent signing of Wilson Isidor, who had initially joined on loan. In terms of outgoings, several players were sent out on loan, including Adil Aouchiche and Nazariy Rusyn, who both moved abroad in search of more playing time.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of all the business Sunderland conducted in the January transfer window.
Transfers In
Permanent Signings
Wilson Isidor (Zenit St. Petersburg – £5m)
Sunderland’s only permanent signing of the window saw them convert Wilson Isidor’s loan move from Zenit St. Petersburg into a full transfer. The 23-year-old French forward had impressed since arriving in the summer, showing glimpses of his pace, strength, and finishing ability. Instead of waiting until the end of the season to trigger the option-to-buy clause, the Black Cats moved swiftly to complete the £5 million deal.
The decision to finalize the transfer early not only secured Isidor’s long-term future at the club but also allowed Sunderland to free up another loan spot before the transfer deadline. Given his performances so far, Sunderland will hope that he can continue to develop and play a crucial role in their promotion push.
Loan Signings
Enzo Le Fee (Roma – Loan, Option to Buy)
The marquee signing of Sunderland’s window, Enzo Le Fee, arrived on loan from AS Roma. This was one of the most high-profile loan signings in recent Championship history, as the 24-year-old French midfielder was once regarded as a rising star in Ligue 1 before moving to Italy.
Le Fee’s technical ability, vision, and ball-carrying skills should provide Sunderland with a creative spark in midfield. The deal includes an option to buy at the end of the season, and depending on Sunderland’s promotion status, it could turn into an obligation to buy. If he performs well, securing him permanently could be a statement of intent for the club’s future ambitions.
Jayden Danns (Liverpool – Loan)
A last-minute deadline-day arrival, Jayden Danns joined from Liverpool on a temporary deal. The 18-year-old forward has been highly rated in the Reds’ youth setup, and Sunderland secured his services for the remainder of the season.
However, Danns is currently dealing with an injury, which means it may take some time before Sunderland fans get to see him in action. If he recovers quickly, he could provide another attacking option for the team as they push for promotion.
Transfers Out
Permanent Departures
Aaron Connolly (Millwall – Free Transfer)
Striker Aaron Connolly was the only player to leave Sunderland permanently in the January window. The Republic of Ireland international arrived at Sunderland last summer on a short-term deal but struggled to make an impact. With opportunities limited under Le Bris, the club decided to release him on a free transfer, allowing him to join Millwall and seek a fresh start in the Championship.
Loan Departures
Sunderland also sent several players out on loan, either to gain valuable first-team experience or because they were not part of Le Bris’ immediate plans.
Abdoullah Ba (Dunkerque – Loan)
Young French midfielder Abdoullah Ba secured a move to French side Dunkerque for the remainder of the season. Ba had struggled to cement a regular starting place at Sunderland, and this loan will provide him with more consistent playing time in a competitive environment.
Adil Aouchiche (Portsmouth – Loan)
One of the more surprising loan departures was that of Adil Aouchiche, who moved to Championship rivals Portsmouth. Many Sunderland fans were not pleased with this decision, as they believed Aouchiche still had a role to play in the squad. However, with Enzo Le Fee’s arrival pushing him further down the pecking order, Le Bris opted to send him out on loan for the rest of the season.
Ben Crompton (Tamworth – Loan)
A move designed to provide young defender Ben Crompton with regular first-team action, as he joined non-league side Tamworth on loan.
Nathan Bishop (Cambridge United – Loan)
Goalkeeper Nathan Bishop was loaned out to Cambridge United, where he will gain valuable playing experience. Given the presence of other senior goalkeepers in Sunderland’s squad, this move ensures he remains sharp and develops further.
Nazariy Rusyn (Hajduk Split – Loan)
Ukrainian forward Nazariy Rusyn failed to make a significant impact at Sunderland, and it was no surprise that he was allowed to leave in January. He joined Croatian giants Hajduk Split, who are managed by AC Milan legend Gennaro Gattuso. The move gives him a chance to revive his form in a new league, and Sunderland will hope he returns in better shape or secures a permanent move elsewhere.
Zak Johnson (Notts County – Loan)
Teenage defender Zak Johnson completed a loan move to Notts County for the remainder of the campaign. He has been regarded as a promising talent, and this loan should provide him with crucial playing time at a competitive level.
Final Verdict on Sunderland’s January Business
Overall, Sunderland had a strong January transfer window, balancing their squad efficiently. The permanent signing of Wilson Isidor and the loan acquisition of Enzo Le Fee are standout moves that could significantly impact their promotion push. Meanwhile, Jayden Danns could also provide a boost if he recovers from injury soon.
On the outgoing side, the decision to loan out players like Ba, Aouchiche, and Rusyn makes sense from a development standpoint, although some fans may be unhappy about Aouchiche’s move to Portsmouth. Offloading Aaron Connolly on a free transfer also frees up a squad space for potential future reinforcements.
With the second half of the season in full swing, Regis Le Bris will now hope that these signings help Sunderland maintain their strong form and secure promotion to the Premier League.