Former Sunderland Defender Tom Flanagan Signs New Contract at Colchester United

Tom Flanagan has penned a new deal with Colchester United after captaining the side through a promising League Two campaign last season.
The 33-year-old defender, who played 91 league games for Sunderland between 2018 and 2022, was ever-present for the U’s in 2023–24, missing only two league matches. His leadership and consistent performances have been rewarded with a new contract at the JobServe Community Stadium, as he prepares to lead another push for promotion under Danny Cowley.
“I came back from my break feeling refreshed and hungry,” Flanagan said. “Last season, I was one of the most-used players in the squad, and I feel like I’m in even better shape now. If we can improve on our start this time, I think we’ll be right in the mix.”
Colchester manager Danny Cowley added: “We’ve worked on this all summer. Tom is a really smart defender who takes great responsibility with and without the ball. We’re delighted he’s staying.”
Flanagan, who has also played for Burton Albion and Shrewsbury Town, is expected to remain a key figure this season as Colchester aim to build on their tenth-place finish.
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Sunderland Nearing £19.5m Deal for Club Brugge Winger Talbi
Sunderland are close to finalising the signing of Chemsedine Talbi from Club Brugge, with the 20-year-old winger undergoing medical tests after arriving in the North East earlier this week.
A total agreement believed to be worth around £19.5 million has been reached, and Talbi is set to become the club’s fifth senior addition of the summer, following the arrivals of Enzo Le Fée, Noah Sadiki, and Habib Diarra. He notched seven goals and five assists across 44 appearances last season and is widely considered one of Belgium’s top young prospects.
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Ekwah Set for Permanent Exit as Sunderland Line Up Cash Boost
Midfielder Pierre Ekwah is on the verge of making his loan move to Saint-Étienne permanent, with the Ligue 2 side finalising the transfer. Sunderland had secured a seven-figure fee when Ekwah initially joined on loan last summer and are now set to receive around £6 million from the permanent transfer.
However, due to a sell-on clause in the original deal, a portion of the fee will go to West Ham United. While a small administrative delay has slowed the official confirmation, Ekwah has not returned for Sunderland’s pre-season and is expected to be unveiled by the French club soon.