Sunderland have had to bring in an underwhelming new winger due to their poor summer business, adding more problems to their manager’s growing list.
Kazenga LuaLua completed his move from Brighton and Hove Albion to Sunderland on Thursday night, becoming Chris Coleman’s first permanent signing.
The former Newcastle United winger has struggled to make an impact in the Championship in recent years, but the Black Cats were willing to turn to him as a low-cost option.
That should concern Sunderland fans, though, with plenty more business to be done in January.
When Aiden McGeady and Callum McManaman arrived at the Stadium of Light at the start of the season, it seemed that the club had a handy pair of second-tier wide men.
But neither are now regularly featuring in the first team and LuaLua has been recruited, with Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Ben Marshall also a target – per Sky Sports.
As Sunderland require midfield creativity, a goalscorer and possibly another new goalkeeper, Coleman could have done without having to look at wingers too.
McGeady and McManaman showed early promise, but it could be that their failed careers on Wearside will prove to be among the most costly mistakes made at the club this season.
LuaLua offers no guarantee of success either, and Sunderland now find themselves in a position where they will almost certainly again be shopping for wingers in the summer.
The situation sums up the continued problems at the Stadium of Light.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
