adminThis is what happened to the players who left Sunderland in the summer – including Borussia Dortmund star
Sunderland allowed a number of players to leave the club over the summer, but how have they fared since their departures?
With the January transfer window now open, Sunderland have an opportunity to strengthen their squad after an impressive return to the Premier League. While supporters naturally focus on potential new arrivals, transfer windows are also used to trim squads, offload surplus players and free up space on the wage bill.
The Black Cats were busy in that regard last summer, sanctioning several permanent and loan exits. Before attention fully turns to January business, here’s a look at how those players have performed since leaving the Stadium of Light.
Jobe Bellingham
Joined: Borussia Dortmund
One of the standout performers during Sunderland’s promotion campaign, Bellingham’s summer move to Borussia Dortmund was a tough one for fans to accept. The midfielder has endured a difficult start in Germany, making just five Bundesliga starts and failing to register a goal or assist outside of the FIFA Club World Cup. Despite reported tensions involving his father and the club hierarchy, Dortmund are expected to continue backing the youngster for the remainder of the season.
Tom Watson
Joined: Brighton & Hove Albion
Watson departed Sunderland as a hero after scoring the winning goal in the Championship play-off final against Sheffield United, despite having already agreed a move to Brighton. The teenager has featured sparingly in the Premier League, totalling just 50 minutes of action, but has impressed in cup competitions. He scored on his debut in a 6-0 EFL Cup win over Oxford United and followed that up with a hat-trick of assists in an identical victory against Barnsley.
Pierre Ekwah
Joined: Saint-Étienne
After spending last season on loan at Saint-Étienne, Ekwah made the move permanent in the summer. However, the midfielder has not played since the French side’s relegation to Ligue 2, refusing to feature amid ongoing legal disputes. He remains on furlough and has recently been linked with a move to Rangers.
Nectarios Triantis
Joined: Minnesota United
Triantis struggled for consistent minutes at Sunderland but showed promise during loan spells at Hibernian. Since joining MLS side Minnesota United, the Greece international has made a strong start, recording three goals and two assists in 10 appearances.
Nathan Bishop
Joined: AFC Wimbledon
Following several loan spells, Bishop secured a permanent move to AFC Wimbledon and has established himself as their first-choice goalkeeper. His performances have helped the Dons sit mid-table in League One.
Patrick Roberts
Joined: Birmingham City (loan)
Roberts played a key role in Sunderland’s promotion and even featured early in their Premier League campaign. However, he soon joined Birmingham City on loan and has contributed two goals and four assists across 21 Championship appearances.
Alan Browne
Joined: Middlesbrough (loan)
Browne has rotated in and out of Middlesbrough’s starting XI but remains a regular contributor. The midfielder has made 20 appearances for the promotion contenders, scoring once.
Jenson Seelt
Joined: Wolfsburg (loan)
Seelt struggled to settle at Sunderland but has enjoyed more opportunities in Germany. The defender has made 10 appearances for Wolfsburg so far, including eight starts in the Bundesliga.
Adil Aouchiche
Joined: Aberdeen (loan)
Aouchiche departed on loan in search of regular football and is currently plying his trade in Scotland with Aberdeen.
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