“I feel very privileged to sign for Sunderland” Sunderland’s Latest signing spills OUT joy after sealing 12 month transfer DEAL to be at Stadium of Light.
Aaron Connolly has officially joined Sunderland as a free agent, signing a one-year contract with the club.
The 24-year-old forward, who began his career at Brighton and had a previous loan spell with Middlesbrough, spent last season on loan at Hull City, where he scored eight goals in 13 Championship starts.
Connolly expressed his excitement about the move, saying, “I feel very privileged to sign for Sunderland. Even though I’ve only been here a short time, it’s clear what this club means to people, and the atmosphere during the win over Middlesbrough was incredible. I want to give back by playing well and doing what I love most—scoring goals. After facing some challenges, I’m ready to move forward and make the most of this opportunity.”
Connolly joined Brighton in 2016, scoring his first senior goal in an EFL Cup match against Bristol Rovers during the 2019-20 season. He made his Premier League debut shortly after, and later that October, he netted twice in a 3-0 victory over Tottenham.
Sunderland’s sporting director Kristjaan Speakman highlighted Connolly’s potential, stating, “Aaron needs a chance to re-establish himself and reset the perception of him as a professional athlete. Not long ago, he was scoring in the Premier League and playing for his national team, but he has faced setbacks. At Sunderland, he’ll have the environment and support he needs to succeed and showcase his talent.”
Speakman added that with 17 important games coming up after the international break, Connolly can bring real value to the squad. The club is eager to help him settle in and provide the support he needs to thrive.