The last transfer window was one of the most frustrating transfer windows we’ve had at Sunderland in a long time. The rumours of Sam Allardyce leaving for the England job meant that no business was done early in the window. Then when it became apparent Allardyce would be leaving, the process dragged out longer than it should have, again affecting Sunderland’s transfer window.
When Moyes was appointed on 23rd July, it was a relief as we now knew our transfer window could belatedly begin. And, sure enough, it did. On 5th August Sunderland finally made their first signing of the summer.
Despite the slow start, and despite it not really feeling like it, Sunderland went on to make 10 summer signings.
Here, I will be grading those 10 signings on how they have fared so far this season and their potential they have to offer, starting from worst to best.
Donald Love - F
Donald Love looks as if he’s going to be added to the list of bizarre and pointless recent Sunderland signings, alongside the likes of Adam Matthews, Valentin Roberge and Mo Diakite. He looks out of his depth and makes you wonder why we didn’t give our own youngsters a chance.
Victor Anichebe - F
It was clear that we needed to bring in a striker during the transfer window to help out Jermain Defoe. The fact that Sunderland failed to do this was almost embarrassing. We had to wait until after the window closed before signing free transfer Victor Anichebe. He’s only played 8 minutes of football for Sunderland this season, and that’s down to his fitness. It is beyond me why we gave him contract before he proved his fitness. Surely a trial would’ve been more suitable and then a contract when/if he is fit.
Mika - D
Mika was rated as a decent keeper in Portugal but in truth, he has been brought to the club as a back up keeper, nothing. I doubt we’ll ever see him in the first team, especially as Mannone nears full fitness.
Papy Djilobodji - D
There was a question mark over his price tag, but when he signed, there was excitement amongst fans. Mainly because he was our first signing of the summer. That excitement has dulled now though. While at times he has shown signs of a good defender, he is error prone and John O’Shea has already found himself in the starting XI ahead of the Senegalese international
Steven Pienaar - C
He hasn’t got the legs he once had, but Steven Pienaar has got the aura of a quality player about him and his experience could prove vital for Sunderland throughout the season.
Jason Denayer - C
Denayer hasn’t featured a lot up to now and when he has featured, a couple of times he has been out of position. This could be an explanation for his underwhelming start, but he is still a promising talent. With it looking likely he’ll be part of a 3 at the back system, hopefully a run of games will bring out the quality he has shown at previous loan spells.
Paddy McNair - C
When we signed McNair, I was pleased. He put in some decent displays at Manchester United under Louis Van Gaal and I still think, despite a rocky start, he has a lot of potential. In the long term, I’d argue that this is a good signing for Sunderland.
Adnan Januzaj - C
It’s a shame Januzaj got injured because he is probably our most creative player. Yes, he can drift in and out of games and his end product isn’t perfect, but he is a quality talent and he can always do something special. Hopefully he’ll return from his fairly lengthy injury lay off hungry and ready to prove what he can do.
Javi Manquillo - B
A man of the match display on his debut and consistent displays since, he’s made a good impression so far in his Sunderland career. Defensively, he could be better, but there is a lot of potential there. A clause is already in place to make his loan a permanent signing if David Moyes chooses to do so. I’d imagine this is likely if we stay up and he continues to progress.
Didier Ndong - A
Signed on deadline day for a record fee, many thought Didier Ndong was something of a panic buy. But Ndong has proved to be Sunderland’s best buy of the transfer window. He’s a strong, powerful, true box to box midfielder. His eagerness to get stuck in and his dangerous bursts forward are already helping him become well liked among fans. Like a lot of our signings, Ndong is a player with his best years in front of him and I can see him getting better and better the longer the season goes on.