Sunderland were convinced they had sealed a deal to bring Swansea City’s Oli McBurnie to the Stadium of Light, but he joined Championship rivals Barnsley.
Oli McBurnie just doesn’t do quiet deadline days.
The Swansea City youngster had agreed to join Barnsley on loan during the final day of the summer transfer window, only for the deal to fall through as the paperwork had not been completed in time.
But, six months later, McBurnie finally got his move to Oakwell. As reported by the Yorkshire Post, Barnsley have beaten substantial competition to sign the 21-year-old striker on loan for the rest of the season, leaving Rangers and Sunderland choking on their dust.
That was before Barnsley swooped in to finally sign a player they had agonisingly missed out on just a few months ago.
Fortunately, Sunderland did ease their frustrations somewhat by striking an alternative temporary deal, bringing in Ashley Fletcher from local rivals Middlesbrough. The 21-year-old had struggled badly at the Riverside following his £6.5 million summer move from West Ham United.
But it remains to be seen how much impact the race for McBurnie will have on the relegation fight.
As it stands, Barnsley are just two points clear of 23rd-placed Sunderland, and Coleman will be praying their one-that-got-away does not fire the Tykes to safety at the Wearsiders’ expense.
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