GOOD NEWS as DONE DEAL confirmed: “Better late than never” as Sunderland’s Deadline duo chase confirmed sealed as Players sighted training at Club…. Well done Kristjaan Speakman.
Sunderland’s new signings, Abdul Samed and Milan Aleksic, have been introduced to fans in their new surroundings. The midfield duo joined Sunderland during a hectic deadline day, alongside Wales international center-back Chris Mepham and Ahmed Abdullahi.
Both Samed and Aleksic have now been officially unveiled to Sunderland supporters following their formal announcements last Saturday morning. Samed will use the international break to settle in under the guidance of head coach Régis Le Bris, while Aleksic heads off for international duty with Serbia.
Samed, a Ghanaian defensive midfielder, arrived from RC Lens, where he was a regular starter before falling out of favor ahead of the current season. The 24-year-old brings significant top-tier experience to Sunderland, including six Champions League appearances last season. Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman expressed confidence that Samed would add a unique element to Le Bris’ midfield options, particularly in the physical battles of the Championship.
“He’s a disciplined defensive midfielder, both in and out of possession. He offers a different profile in our midfield, and we believe he’ll thrive in the challenging environment of the Sky Bet Championship. His experience in Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League will serve him well as he adjusts to English football,” said Speakman.
Nineteen-year-old Aleksic signed a four-year contract, joining from FK Radnicki 1923. Although the transfer fee remains undisclosed, Serbian media report that Sunderland spent nearly four million euros to secure the highly-rated midfielder. Aleksic earned his first senior call-up to the Serbia national team earlier this year and was highly sought after during the summer transfer window.
Speakman acknowledged that Aleksic will need time to adapt but is optimistic about his future impact. “Milan is an incredibly talented young player, on the verge of national team selection. We value his creativity and versatility but understand that we must be patient as he adjusts to a new country and club. We won’t rush his involvement, but his talent and progress so far make us confident he can become a key player for Sunderland in the future. Attracting a talent like Milan highlights our progress as a club and our commitment to nurturing talent in an elite environment, which reflects the hard work of our staff at the Academy of Light,” Speakman added.
Sunderland will return to Championship action after the international break with an away match against Plymouth Argyle, though it remains unclear whether any of the club’s deadline day signings will feature in the game.