When the transfer deadline passed at 11pm on Tuesday night, much of the optimism Sunderland had built up over the January window seemed to drain away with it.
The chime of the clock only confirmed what had become increasingly clear throughout deadline day as the club’s search for a new striker fell flat. Even the rumour mill, usually flush with new and often wildly optimistic names, was quiet.
It all means that Joe Gelhardt will be the Black Cats’ only out-and-out striker until the end of the season, and if they’re to continue the unlikely dream of back-to-back promotions, plenty rests on the 20-year-old’s shoulders. The same can’t be said of a potential cup run; Gelhardt is cup tied and can only appear for Sunderland in league matches, which only adds to their woes.
Have your say on Sunderland's transfer window using our survey below...
Another (albeit smaller) gap in the squad can be found in midfield, with Corry Evans expected to miss the remainder of the season with injury. Kristjaan Speakman and co did at least bring in Pierre Ekwah from West Ham to add muscle to Sunderland’s midfield, but the Frenchman replaced the outgoing Jay Matete and would have hoped to compliment Evans rather than replace him outright.
That being said, spirits are still high on Wearside - the club are performing above expectations in the league and matched top division Fulham toe to toe on Saturday. Even the news of Ross Stewart’s season-ending injury wasn’t as bad as first feared, with the Scotland striker likely to be back in time for pre-season in the summer.
But the lack of options up front surely makes Sunderland’s task at hand that little bit harder. With 18 games left of the Championship season still to play and the club still fighting in the FA Cup, how you think the squad is looking after deadline day? Head to comments below to join the conversation...
IN: Isaac Lihadji (Lille), Pierre Ekwah (West Ham), Joe Gelhardt (Leeds, loan), Joe Anderson (Everton)
OUT: Ellis Simms (Everton, end of loan), Jay Matete (Plymouth, loan), Leon Dajaku (St Gallen, loan), Bailey Wright (Rotherham, loan)
READ MORE
- Sunderland's deadline day comes and goes with no new striker as Black Cats rely on Joe Gelhardt
- 'Model professional' Bailey Wright leaves Sunderland on loan on deadline day
- Ex-Sunderland man Duncan Watmore joins Millwall - and could make his debut against Black Cats
- Sunderland signing Joe Anderson explains his switch to Wearside was '100 percent' the right move
- Sunderland's FA Cup replay against Fulham picked for live TV coverage and date confirmed
