Taylor was strongly linked with a move to Sunderland before becoming a Charlton Athletic player.
Lyle Taylor has suggested he sacrificed more money at Sunderland to sign for Charlton Athletic.
Sunderland were strongly linked with a move for the 28-year-old, who was available on a free transfer after his contract with AFC Wimbledon expired last month.
But rather than head up north, Taylor settled on a new home less than 20 miles east with Charlton.
Speaking to London News Online, however, the London-born Montserrat international insisted that geography wasn’t the only factor in his decision-making – with finances certainly not one.
“I am glad the manager (Lee Bowyer) wanted me to be here and worked as hard as he did for me to be here,” said Taylor. “I am grateful to him and Steve Gallon. And the owner for allowing it to happen. That is massive. Hopefully the way to thank them is to score goals.
“The way the manager wants to play is important. I had meeting with the manager – we talked about a lot of things and that was one of them.
“It is important how the team want to play and what my role will be. That was part of the decision-making process.
“It always helps when you can see the previous of the manager, the players in the building, the squad is almost assembled. There is a few players in rather than wholesale changes. Hopefully there will be a continuation of what happened at the back end of last season, reaching the play-offs.
“It was not crucial to stay at home. I am very family-orientated. But if it’s right for my career it is right for my career. There has been a lot said about another team in this league.
“The decision was not based on being away from home. If it was just based on money I would be there. This is a footballing decision and I can’t wait to get started and playing in front the crowd at The Valley. After playing here for AFC Wimbledon for two seasons, I can’t wait to be on the other side.”
Despite bringing in six new faces already this summer, an out-and-out striker continues to elude Sunderland, who are somewhat light up top after Ashley Fletcher’s return to Middlesbrough
Goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin, defenders Alim Ozturk, Tom Flanagan and Reece James, midfielder Dylan McGeouch and forward Chris Maguire have been added to a Mackems side relegated from the Championship last season.
Should Sunderland rue their alleged failure to sign Charlton’s Lyle Taylor?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
