Sunderland are reportedly looking to add another striker from the free agent market, following a productive summer where the club made several signings without transfer fees.
On Thursday, rumours surfaced on social media that Sunderland were preparing to sign another free agent striker, with the club still feeling somewhat light in the forward department. The speculation focused on Aaron Connolly, the former Brighton and Hull City striker, who has been a free agent since leaving Hull City in 2023 after a one-year deal.
However, journalist James Copley quickly dispelled the Connolly rumours, posting on X: “As you’ve probably already guessed, I’m told the Aaron Connolly-is-signing-for-Sunderland-tomorrow rumour that is doing the rounds online is false.”
Connolly, who scored eight goals in 23 appearances for Hull last season, has been linked with various Football League clubs this summer but remains unsigned, partly due to injury concerns. He joined Brighton’s academy in 2016, quickly making a name for himself as a promising young forward. He impressed in the club’s youth ranks, becoming a prolific scorer for Brighton’s U23 side, which led to a brief loan spell at Luton Town in 2019, where he made two appearances in League One.
Connolly’s breakthrough came later that year when he made his Premier League debut for Brighton during the 2019/20 season. His standout moment came in October 2019, when he scored twice in a 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur, earning widespread praise for his performance. His pace and sharpness in front of goal made him a player to watch, and he became a regular feature in Brighton’s squad, finishing his debut season with 24 Premier League appearances and three goals.
Despite his early promise, Connolly’s progress stalled due to injuries and inconsistent form. Over the next two seasons, he struggled to maintain a regular starting spot at Brighton, leading to loan moves to revitalise his career. In 2022, Connolly joined Middlesbrough on loan in the Championship, where he scored two goals in 21 appearances. He then moved to Serie B side Venezia for another loan stint, but injuries again hampered his performances.
In 2023, Connolly signed a one-year deal with Hull City, where he showed glimpses of his potential by scoring eight goals in 23 Championship appearances. However, his contract was not renewed, and he became a free agent at the end of the season.
Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman capitalized on the free agent market during the off-season, bringing in four free agent players — Ian Poveda, Alan Browne, Simon Moore, and Blondy Nna Noukeu — to strengthen the squad at the Stadium of Light. Browne, who has been the standout so far, will miss the upcoming match against Middlesbrough due to a minor knee injury. Poveda, meanwhile, is still waiting for a regular spot in the starting lineup, with the club having depth in the attacking department.
Writers’ view
Sunderland’s interest in another striker highlights a potential gap in their squad, especially with Ahmed Abdullahi’s injury and the relative inexperience of forwards Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor in the Championship. While adding an experienced player like Aaron Connolly might make sense, his injury history poses a significant risk. It’s clear the club is looking to bolster its attacking options, but they’ll need to be cautious with any future additions.
While Connolly’s record shows he can perform at this level, the fact that he remains unsigned raises questions about his fitness. Sunderland may have dodged a bullet by passing on him, but their need for an experienced striker remains. If they are to challenge for promotion, adding depth up front will be essential to cope with the rigors of a full Championship season.
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